MyPE

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Public violence at Wells Estate, Motherwell – Arrests

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The SAPS will not allow acts of violence to endanger the lives of innocent parties as well as the Sheriff of the Court and his staff and police members performing their duties.

During the execution of the evictions at Wells Estate today, the Sheriff and the police members were attacked by large groups of about 200 residents by throwing stones and incendiary devices (petrol bombs) at them. Police were forced to shoot rubber shotgun rounds at the attackers to protect themselves and the Sheriff delegation on numerous incidents. Five (5) males aged 19 to 30, were arrested during these incidents and will be charged for Public Violence.

Two (2) petrol bombs and a further 25 tyres were confiscated during the day in the area after attempts were made by protestors to start burning barricades on the R335 (Addo Road) passing Wells Estate.

At 15:30 a bus belonging to Algoa Bus was damaged after it was thrown with stones in Jijana Street in Wells Estate. School children were passengers, but fortunately nobody was injured in the incident. Two rear windows were shattered and a petrol bomb which fell inside the bus without igniting, will be anylised by forensics experts.

The Motherwell Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Rabie has expressed his shock that school children traveling in a bus were targeted with stones and petrol bombs. “I view this incident as extremely serious. It is shocking that persons that occupy land illegally would go so far as to even be prepared to hurt and endanger the lives of young children. We appeal to our community structures to intervene as well to stop this violence” he said.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.