Protesters torch buildings in bid for land

LAND invaders in Vrygrond highlighted their plight for land with violence when they went on the rampage in nearby Seawinds.

The invaders attempted to occupy the Xakabantu land, a vacant piece of ground near Vrygrond.

Community leader Daniel Nomavila said the invaders are very angry at the municipality as law enforcement came to break down their shacks on the land.

The community set a sports clubhouse alight in Seawinds, petrol bombed apartments and set a car alight

Provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa said police maintained a strong presence throughout the night.

“City of Cape Town Traffic reported that Prince George Drive has been closed at Military Road, direction towards Sunrise circle, for traffic due to protest action and community members wanting to vandalise the Capricorn Park Mall.

“All necessary law enforcement agencies are on the scene,” Africa said.

Police also shot rubber bullets to disperse protesters.

The invaders vowed to illegally occupy Xakabantu as talks with mayor Patricia de Lille had collapsed last week.

De Lille held a meeting with residents, after violent protests in the area two weeks ago. Protesters have continued to burn tyres and debris.

The protest began on April 16 after they complained of overcrowding in Vrygrond and lack of access to land.

The ward councillor of the area, Gerry Gordon, told the Cape Argus she will engage with the community. However she is still on leave, “I will be meeting with them today and I will be engaging with them around the matter. But we seriously condemn these acts of criminality. This is unacceptable,” she said.

Meanwhile, a municipal building in Macassar was set alight following violent protest in the area which started on Monday. Its believed the residents are unhappy because they could not track down the local ward councillor.

“Protesters entered the Housing Office on Monday and started a fire in the building.

“City staff in the building managed to escape unharmed,” the mayco member for Assets and Facilities Management, Stuart Diamond, said.

PICTURE: PHANDO JIKELO/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA) DESTRUCTION: Macassar municipal offices were burnt by protesting community members after they apparently heard that there is not enough money to build them houses.