Steenberg was shrouded in dark clouds of smoke on Monday night as residents from Vrygrond in Capricorn held a violent service delivery protest, setting a car alight and stoning motorists.
They barricaded Prince George Drive and burned tyres and rubble, while the Capricorn Square shopping centre was looted and the windows of several private residences smashed in.
A VW Polo was set alight shortly after 7pm, but the driver of the car managed to escape unharmed.
About 100 protesters demanded land for houses.
Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency
However, Vrygrond Community Development Leader, Mike Khumalo, said on Tuesday they were not aware of plans for the protest.
“As per the forum, we did not know about the protest action and we are not happy about how residents have been going about it. We condemn the violence and looting,” he explains.
Khumalo says people became angry after the City of Cape Town “lied” to them about a new housing development in the area.
“There was land for houses in the old Vrygrond. People moved to give way for development, with the understanding that the City was going to give them houses, but that never happened,” he says.
“When residents tried to inquire about the land, they were told that the land was not for housing development as it was a nature reserve.
Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency
“People moved in good faith and the City lied. Some people had to move to Overcome Heights where they are crammed like animals, others have to board, and rent prices skyrocket monthly. The City needs to come to the party.”
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms: “Three cases of malicious damage to property were opened for the damaged vehicles and one case of public violence was registered where two male suspects, aged 16 and 34, both residents of Vrygrond, were arrested on the roof of a spaza shop.
“A case of business robbery and public violence was opened for the looting of the liquor store and a 27-year-old female was arrested and detained at Muizenberg SAPS.”
Photo: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency
Zara Nicholson, spokesperson for Mayor Patricia de Lille, says the mayor has agreed to meet with Vrygrond community leaders.
“The mayor is, however, clear that the meeting cannot go ahead while people continue to illegally occupy land and affect the lives of other residents by blocking roads.”