There have been riots in Rheenendal which started last night and ran into today.

Fires have been lit and, for a period, the Rheenendal Road was closed. A subscriber said that riot police and firemen from neighbouring towns were called in to assist.

The cause of the protest is unknown but it might be because of wanted housing, a possible show of strength whilst the MEC for Human Settlements, Bonginkosi Madikizela, is on tour of the Knysna Municipality. This is strengthened by the housing meeting with Mayor Eleanore Spies that was to be held in the community hall tomorrow night – it has now been brought forward to tonight.

I contacted Knysna Municipality. They said that they’ll get back to me. Was this kept quiet to save face whilst MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela is in town?

Can anyone provide me more info?

Update 7.40pm – RHEENENDAL TENSIONS INCREASE:

I have no confirmation of this but a subscriber sent me the following worrying message:

“Police turning cars around at Totties Farm Stall, preventing them from going towards Rheenendal. Many people milling around the streets, gunshots heard regularly, tyres burning and a lot of aggression in the air. There is a general feeling of antagonism towards the Mayor. She has arrived to address the crowds but will be doing so from the safety of a Nyala riot vehicle. Suffice to say it is not a good idea to be in that area tonight.”

WHY IS OUR MUNICIPALITY KEEPING THIS SITUATION HIDDEN?

Read ‘The DA, the Mayor & the Rheenendal Riots‘.

Generic photo of Nyala RG-12 riot vehicle.