Cops monitoring shack dwellers

Lansdowne Road in Khayelitsha Photo: Michael Walker

Lansdowne Road in Khayelitsha Photo: Michael Walker

Published Oct 20, 2010

Share

Khayelitsha was quiet on Wednesday morning after protests by shack dwellers led to violence and property damage, Western Cape police said.

Captain Anneke van der Vyver said the protests started on Tuesday evening and ended in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

All roads leading into the township were open and people could safely visit the area.

The reason for the protests was not clear. Two trucks and a car were set alight and cars driving into the area were stoned. A police car was also damaged.

SABC news earlier reported that the protests were called by shack dwellers' movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo, whose Western Cape spokesman Mzonke Poni claimed “criminals” had taken advantage of their peaceful demonstrations. It was believed they were protesting against poor service delivery.

Van der Vyver said: “At this stage we cannot confirm if they were involved or not. Our main concern is to keep an eye on the situation. Protests around service delivery will be investigated once we have done other primary investigations.”

A police report was expected to be issued later in the day. A case of public violence and two cases of malicious damage to property were opened. No arrests had been made. - Sapa

Related Topics: