The violence reached boiling point when protesters allegedly attacked a police officer with an axe and made off with three service firearms, two of which were recovered on Thursday, a day before Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the township to quell tensions.
The residents have been in “shutdown” mode and protesting for more than a week demanding the release of Zwelihle Renewal leader, Gcobani Ndzongana, arrested for inciting violence and destruction of property.
At least two police officers and several protesters were injured since his arrest on July 12.
Ndzongana appeared in the Strand Magistrate’s Court on Friday and will stay in custody until his next appearance on July 27.