Eastern Cape protestors arrested
2013-01-22 22:53
Johannesburg - At least 44 people were arrested in
Flagstaff during a protest that left one police officer injured, Eastern Cape
police said on Tuesday.
"These people were charged with an illegal gathering
and public violence," said police spokesperson Mduduzi Godlwana.
The group blocked the R61 road leading to Flagstaff on
Monday.
"Police were trying to stop them but they became
violent and threw stones at police, so we had to arrest them," said
Godlwana.
A policeman's hand was injured, but he was not taken to
hospital.
Godlwana said the protest was over the removal of their
containers -which were used to sell goods - by the local municipality at the
weekend.
The Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM) claimed 20 people
were arrested in the protest, which was over basic services.
It claimed residents were attacked by police.
"The protest had only been going on for 10 to 20
minutes before the police arrived and immediately began chasing people around
and arresting them indiscriminately."
The protest was organised by the Siphaqheni Residents'
Association and the DSM to fight for improvement in services.
"Memorandums and several marches have been ignored
by the local authorities," it said.
"Residents therefore decided to block the road
leading into Flagstaff, hoping that this desperate act would warrant government
attention."
Godlwana said the arrested group was due to appear in
court shortly.
- SAPA
