Protests erupted in the Blue Downs area early this morning, as disgruntled residents of Happy Valley took to the streets, with some burning tyres and throwing stones at passing motorists.

The reason for the protests is poor service delivery.

Public Order Police and other law enforcement agencies were deployed in the area, close to the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court and Happy Valley near Blackheath Industria, and restored order a few hours later, dispersing the unruly crowd. A video could be seen of officers using stun grenades.

Two men were arrested on charges related to public violence and will appear in the Bluedowns Magistrates’ court once charged.

Western Cape Police says they will remain in the area, together with other integrated forces, until the situation has been fully stabilised. Sporadic protests were still reported on Monday afternoon.

Allegations have been making the rounds on social media that a young child died as a result of the protest and the use of teargas.

Police have rubbished this claim, saying it is “totally unfounded.”

They say mother and child were assisted by police members, long before the crowd was dispersed, adding they were taken to the Eerste River Day hospital for treatment between 6 AM and 7 AM.

They say the mother approached the officers with her child, whom she said had fallen sick during the previous night.

“Emergency personnel could not access the area due to the risk of the protest, hence they intervened and provided the required assistance, long before the unruly crowd were dispersed after 9 AM.”

The child’s condition is unclear.

Meanwhile, the protests have resulted in some disruption to local services.

The Blue Downs Municipal Court had to temporarily close its doors, but is expected to reopen on Tuesday, along with the Magistrate’s Court.

The Blue Downs Clinic was also closed. Clients were advised to go to Wesbank Clinic or Dr Ivan Toms Clinic in Mfuleni.