Tensions flared in the Winelands over the weekend, as protesters with the anti-drugs-and-gangs group, PAGAD (People Against Gangsterism And Drugs), clashed with police in a part of Stellenbosch.
Protesters took to the streets of Cloetesville yesterday to voice their frustration with rising crime, particularly gang and drug activity, in the area.
During the protest, some locals were confronted for allegedly aiding drug dealings and other crimes.
As the crowd grew more agitated, police used stun grenades in an attempt to disperse them, sparking a confrontation between demonstrators and officers.
WATCH: PAGAD marches in Cloetesville and clashes with police
PAGAD’s National Coordinator, Haroon Orrie, defended the organisation’s presence in the community.
“We simply came peacefully, we came to create an awareness as PAGAD, we want our people to live in a gangster-free and a drug-free society and that is what we came for,” he said.
He further argued that PAGAD was called on by Cloetesville residents to come to the area, as they had “lost complete hope” in the police and the criminal justice system.
Orrie criticised police actions, claiming that officers prevented PAGAD from completing its march.
“We have no intention of violence, we have no intention of inciting violence, but, however, we have made it very clear to SAPS that we will not be intimidated, neither will we allow the community to be intimidated by gangsters and drug dealers”.
Meanwhile, Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, said police are investigating the incident, which he says took place on the corner of Pine and Northend Streets, “where participants became riotous during a march”.
“Cloetesville police are investigating a public violence case… We can confirm that police action was taken to stop the march. No arrests were made. The investigation into the matter is ongoing,” said Twigg.
In response, Orries said this investigation by the SAPS comes as no surprise.
“Like we said, we had no intention and neither did we incite any violence. But this is obviously one of the tactics to scare off community members that has organised this particular event.”
