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Eight arrested during George protests

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Eight people have been arrested for public violence following service delivery protests in Thembalethu near George in the Southern Cape.

The situation remains tense as angry residents from Lawaaikamp, Borcherds and Parkdene are being kept at bay by a huge police contingent.

Violent protests broke out early on Wednesday morning at Mandela Village informal settlement and quickly spread to nearby areas.

Residents are demanding municipal services. Two trucks were set alight and looted along the N2. Hundreds of people were prevented from going to work and some are still trying to make their way there.

“We’re tired of the George municipality, which doesn’t provide basic services to us. We’re losing jobs and our children are being teargassed. Enough is enough,” said one resident.

In Parkdene, angry residents say the municipality promised to supply electricity to the informal settlement two months ago, but nothing has happened so far.

Some roads are still littered with rubble and burning tyres. Police earlier used rubber bullets and teargas to disperse the crowds

Meanwhile, in Cape Town, police have opened a case of public violence after the Mew Way Hall in Khayelitsha was partially set alight by protesting residents.

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk says the situation is currently under control .

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