WC community safety MEC calls for end to protests

By Robin-Lee Francke Last updated Mar 25, 2021

Protests across Cape Town have entered its third day causing the closure of major roadways across the city.

On Wednesday, protesters of the Intlungu yaseMatyotyombeni Movement have blocked Spine, Mew Way road and the N2 Freeway with burning tyres and rocks. They are demanding water,toilets and Electricity from the City of Cape Town for all townships. Photo: Leon Lestrade. African News Agency/ANA.

CAPE TOWN, March 25 (ANA) – Protests across Cape Town have entered its third day on Thursday, causing the closure of major roadways across the city.

Member of the executive council (MEC) of community safety, Albert Fritz said he was deeply concerned that one person had died after being hit by a car and four police officers were injured during the violent protests.

Fritz, who on Wednesday condemned the protests, said it put a halt to service delivery and economic recovery.

Protest action has affected both directions of the N2 Highway, Mew Way, Baden Powell, R300, Robert Sobukwe, Botfontein, La-Boheme , Bottelary, Green Acres Farm in Kraaifontein and Govan Mbeki, Symphony and Hindle Road.

On Wednesday, a Golden Arrow Bus was also allegedly torched by protesters.

Fritz called an immediate end to the violent protests which caused pandemonium across the city.

“I was deeply concerned to hear that a person had been killed amid the protest action yesterday and that four police officers were injured in Kraaifontein,” Fritz said.

“I call for an immediate end to these violent protests which are not only dangerous, but further jeopardise service delivery to our most vulnerable communities.”

He also conveyed his condolences to the family of the victim who died and a speedy recovery to those injured.

It has been reported that protests are being led by a group called Intlungu yaseMatyotyombeni who are protesting housing and basic service delivery.

Fritz reiterated that he supported the constitutional right to protest but resorting to violence and destruction is simply unacceptable and was illegal to do so.

He said all enforcement agencies deployed to the protests action in various areas will remain on site to monitor the situation.

He has urged residents to make use of alternative routes as enforcement agencies try their best to stabilise the affected communities.

– African News Agency (ANA)