WESTERN CAPE – Two suspects were arrested in connection with a case of public violence following protest action on the N2 highway near the turn-off to Piesang Valley drive in Plettenberg Bay.

Last night, 02 July 2019 at about 22:00, a group of people gathered and blocked the highway. They prevented people and commuters to enter or exit the area. The protesters also pelted Police members with stones, damaged vehicles and endangered other road users. A total of seven vehicles were damaged during the protest action. It includes a municipal vehicle as well as a patrol vehicle of the South African Police Service.

As a result local police and Public Order Police members were dispatched to the area to intervene and stabilise the situation. The members had to retaliate and used minimum force to constrain the group by using stun grenades as well as rubber bullets in an effort to disperse the group and to open the N2 highway.

The road is still closed but the Public Order Police and other law-enforcement agencies will remain on the ground until law and order has been restored.

Both suspects aged 21 and 24 are still in custody. They will appear in court later.

The police respect the rights of protesters to engage in certain actions, but the execution of their actions must be within the ambit of the Law of this country. Lawlessness will not be tolerated and the police will not hesitate to take decisive action when necessary.

Source: South African Police Service