Two suspects were arrested after protests again flared up in Stutterheim with protestors having blocked the main road and demanded business owners close shop on Monday.
Captain Siphokazi Mawisa, of the SAPS, said that two suspects, aged 30 and 39, have been arrested by police for public violence. This follows after the protesters went to town and blocked the main road with dustbins and refuge.
“They then threatened the business owners to close their shops. Police shot rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
“Then this afternoon a group of about 50 people wanted the employees in the firms to be released. They gathered next to the Stutt Group and police are monitoring the situation. A case of public violence has been opened for investigation,” she said.
Unathi Binqose, provincial transport spokesperson, said: “There were some [road] closures earlier on, but protestors were dispersed and the road was reopened to traffic. Road users are urged to be extra cautious when approaching the road.”
Councillor Siyabulela Malawu, whose ward includes the town of Stutterheim, confirmed that there was protest action this morning but said all was quiet at the moment. Malawu attributed this to police being “all over” town. He said that motorists should be able to drive through Stutterheim...