Container set alight in Thembalethu

GEORGE NEWS - It appears that the taxi violence has spread to George as George Herald received reports late last night of a container that was set alight at the back of Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Thembalethu.

It is believed that the container belongs to Go George, but this has not been confirmed. Thus far no injuries have been reported. Emergency services and the police were on scene and are keeping a close eye on the situation.

This morning the situation is calmer but more reports were received that passengers were forced out of vehicles at Fourways at Thembalethu’s entrance and had to walk across the bridge to work. Only the drivers were allowed to drive out of Thembalethu.

The roads are open.

The communications office of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) also issued an Urgent Safety Notice to their employees last night stating that messages are doing the rounds about potential violent and life-threatening incidents that could unfold today which are said to primarily affect individuals who reside in Thembalethu.

"Areas of concern, according to the GRDM Disaster Management Unit, include Knysna, Plett and George." Employees residing in Thembalethu and other areas where public transport is used, are urged by GRDM's Executive Management to rather stay and work from home.

"Your safety is important to the GRDM, and the GRDM wants to ensure that you are not exposed to any potential risks."

Employees are asked to exercise extreme caution and prioritise their safety and that of their families.

George Municipality will issue an update.

Following unrest last night in Knysna, the turn-off to Kwanokuthula outside Plettenberg Bay as well as the N2 at Nekkies are open once again this morning. Tyres were also burned on George Rex Drive, but the road is also open.

Photo supplied.