Kleinkrantz protest part of wider flare-up

Video

Update at 10:33: Kleinkrantz protest update: Protestors are dispersing. Area will be monitored for a while to ensure that no further action is taken. Normal traffic flow on N2.

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Public instability with protests across the whole district are currently unfolding, with the most serious situation in Plettenberg Bay.

READ HERE: Plett rioting enters fourth day

In the George municipal area, the public order police (Pops) and traffic officials have been deployed to Kleinkrantz earlier this morning, where the situation is volatile. The N2 remains open, but motorists are cautioned to avoid the area if possible.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Christopher Spies confirmed that a number of suspects were arrested in connection with protest action at the entrance to Kleinkrantz off the N2.

“Public order police were dispatched to a scene on the N2 highway at about 05:30 this morning after a group of people gathered and blockaded [the road]. Information from the scene indicates that the group was dispersed and a number of suspects were arrested. A case of public violence was opened for further investigation. These members remain in the area to monitor the situation,” he said.

According to a resident of Kleinkrantz, the main road to Kleinkrantz, Protea Road, is strewn with bricks and rubble.

“Everything has settled for now, but there are rumours that protesters are waiting for the police to leave the scene, to start up again. The situation remains volatile,” said the resident. According to information gathered at the scene by the resident, the need of proper housing seems to be the reason for the protest. Kleinkrantz has an informal settlement.

Watch a video below:

Municipal comment

George Municipality senior communications officer Athane Scholtz said grievances from the community about municipal services must be brought to the attention of the municipality via the complaint channels and their ward councillor.

“The municipality will deal with them according to the correct protocol and transmit a response directly to the community…. The conversation will not take place via the media. Please note that housing issues may also lie with the mandates of the provincial and / or national departments of human settlements.”

Ward Councillor Marlene Barnard said that she has no other comment in this regard.

Screenshot from video.