On Tuesday morning thousands of Vredenburg residents took to the streets in a violent service delivery protest.
After 5am, the R45 and Main Road in the area was chaotic as residents from the Ongegund informal settlement demanded houses.
Burning tyres and debris blocked the roads and police in the area were immediately deployed to the scene opposite the provincial traffic offices.
About 2 000 people threw stones and other objects at police.
Provincial Traffic Chief, Kenny Africa stated the R45 had to be closed in both directions till the matter was under control.
“The R45 is still closed for traffic in both directions. Public Order Policing (POPS) were on scene. Shots fired to disperse the crowd,” Africa said.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the protest was regarding service delivery.
“On Tuesday, at about 5.30am the Community of Ongegund (the broader informal settlement) started protesting about poor service delivery. They started throwing stones at Vredenburg Police Station and damaged vehicles.”
“The R45-road is closed as well as the Main Road in Vredenburg. A case of public violence was registered for investigation. One police member was injured. Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies continue to monitor the situation,” van Wyk said.
He also confirmed 38 people were arrested on charges of public violence.
“SAPS arrested 28 males and 10 females aged between 20 and 59-years-old on charges of public violence,” van Wyk added.
robin.francke@inl.co.za