South Africa: Protesters clash with police in Stellenbosch on August 12

Event

On Wednesday, August 5, a group of protesters clashed with police in Stellenbosch (Western Cape) as they were prevented from entering the town center. Organizers had planned to march from the suburb of Kayamandi into the center of Stellenbosch but were halted by security forces, resulting in stones being thrown by protesters. The demonstrators dispersed into Stellenbosch's side streets as police used rubber bullets and water cannons against the crowd. Intermittent clashes continued for three hours before a group of demonstrators gathered and requested permission to continue the march. After permission was denied, police once again dispersed the crowd, leading to continued small-scale clashes throughout the day. The protesters had gathered to demonstrate against racial inequality in the town.

Further protests in Stellenbosch are likely in the near term.

Advice

Individuals in Stellenbosch are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, allow ample travel time, and obey instructions issued by local authorities.