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Shacks being demolished in a township in Makhanda.
Unrest erupted in Eluxolweni township in Makhanda following the municipality’s demolishing of structures built by illegal dwellers. During the unrest, two municipal buildings were damaged and the police arrested two people, including a local councillor.
The police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds after they had barricaded the road with stones in protest of the removal.
The municipality claims the land is earmarked for commercial development.
One of the community leaders, Vuyokazi Buwa, says some of the residents lost their belongings during this process.
“While we were still continuing to build, police arrived with a group of people. They said they are giving us five minutes to disperse. We asked how because our things are there, where will we go? A few minutes later teargas was released and shots were fired. People lost their stuff, their building material also burned. It was chaos.”
Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana says while they continue to be on high alert, the public should avoid non-essential travel to Makhanda.
“Police have so far arrested two people, among them a councillor, on charges of contempt of court, trespassing and conspiracy to commit public violence. More arrests are imminent, as several law enforcement agencies are deployed to control the situation in Makhanda. The N2 highway is unaffected,” says Gantana.
