Two cases of public violence were opened, five men, aged between 20 and 37, were arrested and 10 cases of malicious damage to property were opened by drivers of vehicles that were stoned during the protest by Phumlani Village and Riemvasmaak residents over housing issues last Wednesday, April 25.
Buck Road, Strandfontein Road and 5th Avenue in Lotus River were all affected.
Warrant Officer Wynita Kleinsmith, spokesperson for Grassy Park police, said two police vehicles were also stoned during the protest.
Meanwhile, the Pelican Park Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (PPRRA) has expressed their concern about reports that said the protests were in their area.
A statement formed collectively from exco members of PPRRA was sent to Southern Mail, saying: “It is totally unfair to report that the unrest was in Pelican Park. Pelican Park is a residential area 4km south of Phumlani. While Phumlani is adjacent to Eagle Park, Lotus River, Zeekoeivlei and Schaapkraal.”
They said the “inaccurate reporting by all media must be ceased immediately as it has a negative impact on the value of the houses in Pelican Park. Not to mention the negative connotations attached to this type of reporting in terms of the safety and security of the area of Pelican Park.
“The leaders in our area have gone to great lengths in mobilising the residents of the area to actively participate in the Pelican Park Neighbourhood Watch and street committees.
“We trust that the media will act responsibly to ensure that such negative inaccurate reporting is avoided in the future.
“We the residents of Pelican Park are proudly a much closed-knit community and embracing of all religious denominations and racial groups,” they said.
