Western Cape Community Safety MEC Alan Winde welcomed the arrest of 20 protesters in Lwandle in Strand for incidents of public violence and further called on the police to arrest the instigators of protests in Khayelitsha.
“I understand from the provincial department of education that 21 schools were closed, with around 25 000 learners not attending class due to fears for their safety.
“This infringement on the rights of our children is shocking,” Winde said on Friday.
Cape Town and parts of South Africa have been rocked by community protests in recent days which have descended into violence and looting as residents of mainly informal settlements take to the streets to voice their grievances, this just less than a month before general elections.
“The provincial Department of Health reports that the Nomzamo Community Day Centre in Strand is still closed as staff are unable to get to work.
“This means that the 375 patients that frequent this facility daily are not able to receive necessary services,” Winde said.
On Thursday, several roads were closed along the N2 highway as protests turned violent and police and Law Enforcement agencies flooded volatile areas, arresting at least eight people.
The City of Cape Town reported that protests had erupted in Khayelitsha up to Somerset West near Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.
Over 1000 Lwandle community members reportedly participated in the service delivery protest, while looting of businesses and stoning of cars were reported.
Winde said two people died during the protest action in Caledon.
ANA