Premier, police boss in bid to find solution to Zwelihle violence

Premier Helen Zille File photo: INLSA

Premier Helen Zille File photo: INLSA

Published Jul 16, 2018

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Acting provincial police commissioner Hendrik Burger, along with Premier Helen Zille, were locked in a meeting with Zwelihle residents in Hermanus to find solutions following days of running battles between residents and police.

Yesterday’s meeting came after more than 1 000 residents brought the area to a standstill, demanding the release of arrested community leader Gcobani Ndzongana.

He was held after being accused of inciting violence which led to the removal of a fence which residents said was erected to separate them from their white neighbouring community.

The Hermanus swimming pool buildings and a section of the Walker Bay recycling facility were torched. Four police officers were injured and one person hospitalised. The library was also torched. Hermanus CPF confirmed that the service firearm robbed from a police officer has since been recovered.

Zille was pelted with stones when attempting to address angry residents on Friday.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said about 19 people have been arrested in the violent protests in Zwelihle.

“They appeared in the Hermanus Magistrate's Court on Friday on charges of public violence, and the case was remanded. All arrested protesters remain in custody until next court date. The situation is volatile and is still being monitored. Police and other law enforcement agencies will remain in the area until law and order is restored. We appeal to those participating in the protest to do so within the ambit of the law,” said Van Wyk.

He said public order police prevented a crowd with petrol bombs from entering the town on Saturday.

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: “What happens next will be determined by the outcome of the meeting; we are still saying hands off our leaders and people.”

Health Department spokesperson Simone Carelse said the Hermanus Community Day Centre was closed and patients were asked to visit their nearest clinics for medical treatment and to go to Hermanus Hospital for emergencies.

“The area is still volatile. We will assess the situation and decide if it will be open tomorrow (today). The staff have been placed at clinics that are closest to their homes,” Carelse said.

Zille’s spokesperson Michael Mpofu did not respond to questions before deadline.

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