Update

SEDGEFIELD NEWS - Hundreds of residents in Smutsville started protests early on Monday morning to demand housing, water and electricity infrastructure.

This follows at least two other protests in Knysna during the past week – one at Keurhoek in Rheenendal the previous Monday and the other a few days later at Nekkies, which resulted in the temporary closure of the N2. There have also been protests in Plettenberg Bay within the last 10 days.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie said the protest action at Smutsville started during the early hours of Monday morning with a group of 40 community members who blockaded the entrance road to Smutsville in Sedgefield, at Oestervanger Street in front of Ewethu Centre.

'Stun grenades used'
"The disgruntled group burnt tyres on the road to prevent people from using the road. First responders to the scene were Knysna police later joined by our public order policing unit from George," stated Pojie. 

"Members had to use stun grenades and rubber to disperse the protesters who had become violent and threw stones. We have arrested four of the protesters between 23 and 35 years old for public violence. They are expected to appear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court as soon they have been charged."

Smutsville resident Irene Grootboom said the protest has been coming for a long time. "Promises were made and not kept," she said, referring to similar protests last year which was quelled when residents were told the municipality would address their issues. Grootboom said she was asleep at home during the early hours of Monday morning when police came barging into her house.

'I was woken by shouting'
"I was in shock to be woken up by shouting and screaming. Police were looking for persons involved in the protest and created a huge scene inside my home," she said.

It was unclear if one of the people found in the house was also arrested by the police.

By the afternoon, most protesters had dispersed and calm returned to the area.

Knysna Municipality later said the community of Smutville is fully aware that the housing application has been submitted to the provincial human settlements department based on agreed plans.

"These processes are subject to provincial procedures and are out of the municipality's control. We can only appeal for the community's patience. The municipality acknowledges the rights of people to protest but is completely opposed to any action that may injure others or impact on service delivery. For example, refuse collection and septic tank removals could not take place on Monday as a result of the protest action," it said in a statement.

It also said that the mayor would provide feedback to the community within seven days, after consultation with the provincial minister.