SAPS members have been deployed since 05:45 today to monitor disruptive actions and protests in the Walmer Location, Port Elizabeth where they have arrested a 36-year-old man for public violence; the suspect will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court today.
Inversely, a group of almost 500 protesters have gathered at Walmer SAPS demanding the release of the suspect and as a result the road in front of Walmer SAPS (Main Road between 8th and 9th Avenue) has been closed.
Since early this morning various groups of community members started gathering at different areas around the Walmer Location, destructing the flow of traffic by burning tyres. Victoria Road, 8th to 11th Avenue and 5th Avenue have been closed; and two private vehicles have been reported damaged as the community members were also reported to be throwing stones at passing vehicles.
The Public Order Police, Tactical Response Teams and local police members have been deployed to bring the situation under control.
The SAPS members are addressing the crowd on their demand to release the arrested suspect while awaiting a representative from the Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality (NMMM) to address the community on their demands.
It is alleged that the disruptive actions are due to unresolved matters between the community and the NMMM on service delivery.
A warning has been issued to protestors not to endanger the lives of people and to cease their violent actions of throwing stones at police vehicles and other road users.
Community members are reminded that although they have the democratic right to protest, they must do so within the boundaries of the law and respect the rights of non-participating public members.
Disregard for the law will not be allowed and those who fail to adhere to this will be arrested, charged and brought before a court.
