The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday warned protestors in Port Elizabeth not to endanger the lives of people and to cease throwing stones at police vehicles and other road users.
“Community members are reminded that although they have the democratic right to protest‚ they must do so within the boundaries of the law and respect the rights of non-participating public members. Disregard for the law will not be allowed and those who fail to adhere to this will be arrested‚ charged and brought before a court‚” the SAPS said.
The warning comes after members of the community started blocking and barricading roads with various items including burning tyres‚ mattresses and rubbish. “The protestors also started throwing stones which damaged police vehicles and those of other road users.”
It was reported earlier that transport had come to a complete halt as taxis in the city joined the day-long action after 33 schools were shut down due to a number of problems‚ the main one being a shortage of teachers.
“SAPS members have been deployed since 05:00 today to monitor disruptive actions and protests in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth‚ specifically in the station areas of Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp.
“It is alleged that the disruptive action is due to unresolved matters between the community and the Department of Education.”
Public Order Police‚ Tactical Response Teams and local police members had been deployed to bring the situation under control and had subsequently used a water cannon‚ fired stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the protestors‚ the police said.
“It must be made very clear that under no circumstances were any live ammunition used by the SAPS.”
SAPS advised the public to avoid Stanford Road‚ Gail Road and 3rd Avenue and in addition roads between Hartebees Street and Pienaar Street following reports of stone throwing in those areas.
“The situation is under control and the SAPS will continue to monitor and maintain high visibility in the area including air support to all the affected areas.
“No arrests have been made as yet.”
SAPS: Protest must take place within boundaries of the law
“Community members are reminded that although they have the democratic right to protest‚ they must do so within the boundaries of the law and respect the rights of non-participating public members. Disregard for the law will not be allowed and those who fail to adhere to this will be arrested‚ charged and brought before a court‚” the SAPS said.
The warning comes after members of the community started blocking and barricading roads with various items including burning tyres‚ mattresses and rubbish. “The protestors also started throwing stones which damaged police vehicles and those of other road users.”
It was reported earlier that transport had come to a complete halt as taxis in the city joined the day-long action after 33 schools were shut down due to a number of problems‚ the main one being a shortage of teachers.
“SAPS members have been deployed since 05:00 today to monitor disruptive actions and protests in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth‚ specifically in the station areas of Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp.
“It is alleged that the disruptive action is due to unresolved matters between the community and the Department of Education.”
Public Order Police‚ Tactical Response Teams and local police members had been deployed to bring the situation under control and had subsequently used a water cannon‚ fired stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the protestors‚ the police said.
“It must be made very clear that under no circumstances were any live ammunition used by the SAPS.”
SAPS advised the public to avoid Stanford Road‚ Gail Road and 3rd Avenue and in addition roads between Hartebees Street and Pienaar Street following reports of stone throwing in those areas.
“The situation is under control and the SAPS will continue to monitor and maintain high visibility in the area including air support to all the affected areas.
“No arrests have been made as yet.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos