Chaos has broken out in Cape Town’s Parkwood following an alleged attempted land grab in the area.
Police were locked in a battle with protesters on Sunday morning who were refusing to move from a vacant piece of land.
Authorities on Sunday morning removed tents and structures erected by the group.
The individuals retaliated by hurling stones at police.
Situation remains tense in Parkwood. Thes protestors say the police shot at them, sparking the violence. #LandGrab pic.twitter.com/65i8j7a5vE
— Aarti Narsee (@ajnarsee) May 20, 2018
A teenager, needs medical attention after police shot rubber bullets #Parkwood #housing pic.twitter.com/bUICwS9KfP
— Aarti Narsee (@ajnarsee) May 20, 2018
However, the individuals who erected shacks in the area and stayed there overnight have subsequently denied that they were attempting to effect a land grab.
The City of Cape Town says it is addressing land issues in the city after violent clashes between police and protesters in Parkwood.
“The whole issue about land and a lack of housing has been going for a long and not just in Parkwood, in the other areas as well,” said Dwayne Dyason.
“The city has been addressing this as best as they can and speedily as they can but sometimes people take matters into their own hands and we have these unfortunate consequences.”
The Department of Human Settlements in a statement on Sunday strongly condemned the violent protest which erupted in Parkwood.
“While we respect the people’s right to protest, violence and destruction cannot be tolerated,” it said.
“We urge the community to remain calm. The government cannot condone lawlessness.”
Source:eNCA
