At least seven people aged 20 to 27 have been arrested in connection with this morning’s (Friday 2 September) unrest in Nyanga.
A Golden Arrow bus, a courier vehicle and a security shelter at Nyanga Clinic are some of the things that were damaged in this morning’s chaos.
Scores of passengers have been left stranded while several roads in and around Nyanga have been closed.
The mayhem is believed to be linked to the recent impounding of illegal small taxis by law enforcement agencies last week and this week.
Provincial police spokesperson Capt Frederick Van Wyk said public order police, Nyanga police, and Law Enforcement including police airing are currently patrolling the area for sporadic protests. He said seven people have been arrested.
“Seven suspects aged between 20 and 27 were arrested and are due to appear in court once charged. Police took action to disperse the crowd,” he stated.
He warned motorists to be vigilant with several roads including Govan Mbeki and Emms Drive affected. Ward 37 councillor Sandile Martin described the strike as “problematic” as it affected innocent people. He told City Vision that all local services had been closed.
“Zolani Centre and my office are closed and people can’t get services. The Nyanga clinic is set alight this morning by unknown people. It’s chaotic. And we fear that there will be criminal elements,” he said. Golden Arrow Bus Service spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said bus services in the area have been halted.
“We are also not operating on Govan Mbeki between Duinefontein and Swartklip Road. One bus was set alight on the N2 under the Symphony Way with reports of one passenger suffering a leg injury. Unfortunately, the level of volatility in the area makes it impossible to predict how services will be affected as the day progresses but we will try to keep passengers updated via the media and our Facebook page,” she said.