Protesters from the New Monwabisi Park informal settlement burnt down the popular Monwabisi Resort near Khayelitsha on Thursday.
The resort was a popular annual destination for Capetonians wanting to enjoy its swimming pools and braai facilities.
Residents blocked roads, burnt tyres and debris, and torched the resort’s office and chalet building.
Picture: Ayanda Ndamane African News Agency(ANA)
According to community leader Christopher Zondani those causing the destruction were angry that the City of Cape Town would be erecting chemical toilets at the informal settlement.
“We have a problem with the temporary toilets. It was not clean for the past two weeks.
“Now the City wants to put in new chemical toilets now. We don’t want chemical toilets, we want flushing toilets.
“We don’t want the new contractor coming in, it is either they place new toilets or return our old toilets. We have engaged the city regarding this issue many times,” Zondani said.
Residents of New Monwabisi Park protesting after the City of Cape Town removed temporary toilets in Mshengu. Video: Ayanda Ndamane
Resident Sinetemba Mtini said their pleas are being ignored: “They are dragging their feet in doing something about our situation. The protest was our way of making them awake.”
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato has condemned the violence and claimed he did not know why residents were protesting.
“The reason for the protest remains unclear at this stage, but it cannot justify the destruction of public property in the manner that we have witnessed,” he said.
New Monwabisi Park informal settlement residents protest after the City of Cape Town wanted to replace their temporary toilets with new temporary toilets Picture: Ayanda Ndamane African News Agency(ANA)
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said the protest resulted in the closing of Baden Powell Road between Swartklip and the N2 and traffic was diverted.
“Three suspects, two males and a female aged between 36 and 41 have been arrested on charges of public violence, they are due to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates' Court once charged,” he said.