Residents of Kwazakhele in Port Elizabeth are up in arms over housing issues and are unhappy with their local ward councilor, leading to violent protests.
It is believed that the trouble began around two weeks ago when a man died in a shack fire, with the community saying that he would not have died if they had been given proper housing.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said since 5am on Monday, protesters have blockaded and burnt tyres at Njoli Road. Beetge said by 6:30 am protesters had stoned an Algoa bus and by 8am another bus was completely torched.
"Public Order Policing (POPS) are in the area and trying to stabilize the situation. It's very volatile at this point," said Beetge.
According to a reliable source, two weeks ago negotiations got underway between community members and the ward 18 councillors. However, residents were unhappy and burnt tyres outside her offices. On Friday tyres were burnt outside the councilor's home.
- African News Agency (ANA),
