CAPE TOWN – Police officials deployed to quell violent protests arrested 20 suspects in Phillipi East and Kraaifontein today. The protests started with groups barricading roads using burning tyres and rubble. The protests escalated and police were pelted with stones, a Golden Arrow bus and a container operating as a business were torched.
It is alleged that community members from Siyangena informal settlement in Phillipi East took to the streets early on Thursday morning in protest against lack of electricity in the area.
The protest between Govan Mbeki and New Eisleben Roads saw several roads closed early in the morning. The roads have since been reopened. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile a group of about 50 women embarked on another protest in Hout Bay where roads were also blocked. The protesters are highlighting a lack of job opportunities for the Imizamo Yethu residents.
In an unrelated matter there is heavy police presence along Maroela and Old Paarl Roads in Kraaifontein where the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement officials are demolishing structures on a piece of land in Bloekombos. During the demolition of structures by law enforcement officials, tyres were burnt and police pelted with stones. Nine people were arrested as a result. The forces on the ground comprise among others Public Order Police, Metro Police, Traffic officials and Kraaifontein police members.
The police will remain on the ground keeping an eye on the above mentioned areas.

Source: South African Police Service