Residents of Cape Town in South Africa have staged a street protest. They are demanding action on the increasing rate of poverty and crime in the state.
They blocked various streets in what they call total shutdown protests to demand action.
Local media reports that police had to use stun grenades, water cannons and rubber bullets to subdue the protesters.
In a statement the police said “In Bonteheuwel, on the corner of Bluegum Road and Jakes Gerwel Drive, eight people were arrested for public violence following run-ins with police that resulted in the disruption of traffic.”
One of the organisers of the protest, Gatto Wanza told IOL that ongoing shutdown is just the beginning of several actions to force a change.
“The actions by our communities show that they realise that government has no plan to help us out of our situation”, Wanza said.
News24 reports that Police have arrested eight protesters for public violence. The protesters had an altercation with police.
There are indications recent increment in building and transport fires in Cape Town have contributed to the protests.
Residents are hoping these protests will draw attention to the high crime rate and cost of living. They are hoping for quick solutions.
Source: Africafeeds.com
