Protestors in the Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp area barricaded the main roads with burning tyres and stones on Stanford Road, Gail Road and other roads in the Helensvale area and in Bethelsdorp, since 06:00 on 19 February 2019.
Public Order Police have been deployed in the areas of Bethelsdorp and Gelvandale and 5 protesters were arrested. The protestors (two men and three females) aged between 28 and 35 are arrested and detained under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, Gatherings Act and the National Road Traffic Act.
A bus was also set alight. POPS will remain in the area to monitor the situation. At this stage the reason for the protest is unclear. Police are warning the community that although they have the right to protest, they should do so within the ambit of the law and not cause damages to infrastructure and blocking the roads.
They will appear in Gelvandale court on Wednesday 20 February 2019. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
