South Africa: Five arrested amid violent protests in Port Elizabeth Feb. 19

Event

Security forces arrested five protesters on Tuesday, February 19, amid violent demonstrations in the Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp areas of Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape province). During the protests, crowds set fire to a bus in the Chetty area and erected roadblocks on Standford Road, Gail Road, and other roads along Bethelsdorp Road. A heightened security presence, along with associated transportation disruptions, is anticipated in the area in the near term. Further protests are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

The demonstrators were protesting service delivery and housing issues at the time the protests turned violent.

Advice

Individuals in Port Elizabeth are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate traffic disruptions, including road closures and increased congestion, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.