Businesses on edge in Philippi ‘war zone’

BUSINESSES in Philippi are still on edge following violent protests in Philippi East when a bread truck, three buildings and five cars were set alight and a bus driver shot at.

Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Janine Myburgh said the protest that left businesses unable to operate resembled a war zone. Stores and vehicles were set on fire due to land invasions and forced removals. Myburgh said authorities were doing little to douse the situation.

“Some businesses have not been able to operate for days due to the unrest. Protesters have invaded private premises and are wreaking havoc.

“We have reports that our members cannot get to work to pay wages. Their employees often live pay cheque to pay cheque, which means some families will go without food. Local and national government have been approached, but with no result. The situation is dire and needs to be treated as such,” said Myburgh.

Police spokesperson Andrè Traut confirmed that the situation turned violent and said about 75 protesters disrupted traffic. Police were deployed to maintain law and order, but no arrests had been been made.

Myburgh previously said neither the City, nor police had been able to restore order to the area. She said the chaos came after an additional 1 200 people came into the area through land invasions, which created more crime, grime and a huge refuse collection problem. The situation had become so bad that businesses were considering closing down or moving to safer areas which will result in job loss.

The City’s Safety and Security executive director Richard Bosman said resources were sent to aid police. All damage was to private property and private vehicles.