South Africa: Protesters force road closures in Cape Town November 12

Event

Several major roads in Cape Town's Khayelitsha area have been closed on Thursday, November 12, after protesters reportedly threw stones at passing vehicles. The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated that three buses and a delivery truck were torched by the protesters. Local media outlets report that the protests are linked to demands for water and electricity supply to informal settlements in the area. There were no immediate reports of any injuries or arrests, although the SAPS stated that police will remain in the area in the immediate term.

A heightened security presence is likely in the capital in the near term. Further protests are also possible and may lead to localized disruptions and further clashes.  

Advice

Those in Cape Town are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened police presence and localized disruptions in the vicinity of gatherings, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.