Latest Nekkies unrest ‘opportunistic’
The latest protest action along the N2 at Nekkies on Saturday 26 August left motorists terrified as rioters stoned everything in sight, burning a variety of items, blocking the road. The violence left frustrated motorists stuck for three hours.
This is the third time in less than a month that protests have caused havoc on this now infamous stretch of the N2. The previous incidents took place on 16 and 17 August leading to two cases of public violence and four cases of malicious damage to property.
On Saturday a group of protesters gathered on the highway at about 16:15 and blocked the road with burning tyres and other debris. They also threw stones at passing vehicles.
The municipality said Saturday’s unrest could well be opportunistic. Since the earlier riots the municipality has been engaging with the community and according to them many young kids were spotted throwing stones on Saturday, indicating that the violence may simply be malicious. The community meetings are ongoing.
Knysna police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies says members of the local police responded and were joined by the public order police. Police used rubber bullets as well as stun grenades to disperse the group.
The road was eventually reopened at 19:15, with traffic officials regulating the traffic. Spies says the police remained in the area.
Public violence case opened
Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie says a case of public violence was opened after the latest protests, adding that a 31-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the matter, and appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Monday 28 August. The case was, however, not placed on the court roll due to a lack of evidence, he added.
According to Pojie, the protesters blocked the N2 with not only burning tyres but road barriers as well. “The damaged vehicles include two police vehicles. Owners of other damaged vehicles have not yet laid any charges with the local police,” he said.
Pojie says more than one vehicle was dispatched to attend to the protest. “These members are fully trained in crowd control management. They were later joined by the public order police based in George.”
No petrol bombs
Reports of a petrol bomb, or bombs, were received, but Pojie denies these allegations. “No petrol bombs were thrown and the police haven’t received any reports of injured persons.”
The reasons for the protests are not known, but according to Pojie, Knysna police station management is in contact with the local authority to establish the cause of the unrest.
Pojie appeals to the community to deal with their concerns within the parameters of the law. He also requests that members of the public who may have any information, to contact 044 302 6687, or dial Crime Stop at 08600 10111. An SMS could also be sent to the crime line at 32211. All information will be dealt with confidentially.
Angry motorist
A concerned and angered member of the public, who wishes to remain anonymous, blames the municipality after his vehicle was damaged in the protest action of 17 August.
A burning branch was thrown in front of his vehicle forcing him to stop, after which his car was pelted with stones, destroying his rear windshield and damaging his left front door.
He is unemployed and cannot afford to replace his windshield - for this he wants to hold the Knysna municipality responsible.
“The community is angry at the municipality and now they are taking it out on passing motorists without thinking of the consequences. If they weren’t angry with the municipality, this would never have happened,” he says. “This is very bad for our economy. What must tourists think?”