Rumours that three teenagers were killed after being struck by rubber bullets abound in KwaNonqaba, an area in Mossel Bay that has seen many properties go up in flames.
Pojie said that four teenagers sustained light injuries while taking part in the protests. "They were taken to hospital and have all been discharged."
Thousands of protesters took to the streets over the past few days, but by Wednesday morning the situation in the area seemed to have calmed down. Residents of Dana Bay could leave their seaside resort town on the western side of Mossel Bay using the one and only entry and exit route that travels past KwaNonqaba without coming under attack. However, tyres were still being burnt as thick smoke billowed into the air in some spots.
Police used stun grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets to deal with the unruly crowds and by Wednesday morning 22 protesters had been arrested for public violence and three others were being held for burglaries associated with plunder.
It is believed that the unrest was sparked by the earlier dismantling of illegal electricity connections by the municipality.
Pojie said a municipal building was torched and one of its wings was completely gutted. "Our Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit building as well as a school were also damaged in a petrol bomb attack. Several of our vehicles were pelted with stones and need extensive repairs."
It was also reported that several spaza shops owned by foreigners were looted.
He said reinforcements from surrounding towns were called in and that air support from Cape Town was due to arrive yesterday. "I will be going up myself today (Wednesday) to assess the situation from the air. At the moment the situation remains tense, but under control."
According to Pojie, there is no indication that the violence may spread to neighbouring towns like George. "Speaking to the people on the ground it seems as if the unrest is contained within Mossel Bay. But we are ready and prepared for any eventuality."
The police have set up a joint operational centre in Mossel Bay near Da Gamaskop and the entire security operation is coordinated from there under the leadership of Brigadier Gerhard Jantjies. The by-election that was due to take place in Ward 13 in Mossel Bay on Wednesday, was still going ahead yesterday morning.
• Just before going to press the George Herald received reports of unrest in Thembalethu. Arriving at the scene, journalist Michelle Pienaar was told by police and a community leader that a group of backyard dwellers are upset about serviced erven allocated to another group of people. The unhappy group burnt tyres on Tuesday evening, blocking the entrance to the Mdongwe settlement in Zone 4. Colonel Ruben France said it is crucial that the George Municipality addresses the grievances of the protesters to prevent a situation similar to that in Mossel Bay. "We want to prevent unnecessary bloodshed." Municipal Manager Trevor Botha was not available for comment and Mayor Charles Standers was in Cape Town.
For a previous news flash, click here.
Protestors show their unhappiness with the process followed to allocate serviced erven in Thembalethu yesterday morning. Photo: Michelle Pienaar
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