"The road was closed due to tyres being burnt and later smaller groups damaged several businesses and the municipal building in the industrial area. By about 05:20 all the small groups had dispersed," said Steyn.
Waldo Olivier of Plett Security said, "Thank you to all the PBCPA members who assisted the SAPS and Riot Squad in bringing the riot under control. The bad news is that the riots might start up again and we request everyone to be alert when entering problem areas."
Havenga Cupboards' factory was torched resulting in extensive damage to other businesses in the same building, Routing Etc and John Wilschut Signs amongst them.
The N2 was re-opened at around 06:00 on Wednesday morning, March 21.
A spokesperson for the Qolweni/Bossiesgif Community Forum said that the unrest erupted after residents who requested that Executive Mayor Memory Booysen meet and address the community, were told that he was out of town. She said that they did not believe this because provincial politicians were due to speak in Plett on Wednesday, Human Rights Day.
Events were still unfolding at the time of going to print.
Business owners were once again victims when protestors torched this building in Plett’s industrial area on Tuesday night, March 20. (Photo: Vinthi Neufeld)
ARTICLE: CANDICE LUDICK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
