25 nabbed for violent Cape Town protests
Police have arrested 25 people in Cape Town following intense protests across the city.
Protests flared up in previous weeks over land invasions and subsequent evictions, with a number of clashes since between the law enforcement and residents.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa says there were a number of sporadic protests in Eerste River, Kraaifontein, Mitchells Plain, Mamre, Delft, Bellville and South Atlantis.
“Police are keeping a watchful eye on specific spots in Cape Town and some outlying areas this morning after there has been a number of protests this morning.
“Police deployments are still in place.”
Protesters burned car tyres and blocked roads.
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The arrests were confirmed by Samwu's regional secretary Mpho Meso on Monday. Meso also claims that protesters were shot and injured by police. "Three members of the South African Municipal Workers Union have been arrested. So far it is Mr Chris Mavunda, Papikie Mohale and Rachel Matsepe.
Lobby group Gatvol Capetonians is also among the protesters that blockaded roads to draw attention to the conditions in which backyard residents live on the Cape Flats.
Stun grenades were used to disperse the gathered crowds.
“After several run ins between the police and protesters in several incidents of public violence. Police arrested 25 suspects for a range of crimes including public violence and the contravention of parts of the Disaster Management Act.
“In Mamre, a group of about 200 protesters burned types on Silverstream road and pelted police with stones. Police responded.”
Potelwa says an officer sustained minor injuries during the face off with the community.