All of us have experienced, in one way or the other, the effects of the civil unrest currently raging in the Village of Clarens. Members of the SPF (sector 1) have been monitoring and assisting the SAPS since the outbreak on Friday the 6th of December.
While the grievances of the residents of Kgubetswana, Kenana and Phahameng are probably justified, the actions of some of those involved affect us all negatively. To date the containment of and negotiations with the rioters have been handled by the various branches of the SAPS (including senior members of the Riot Police). Despite very militant actions that included the barricading of main access routes to the Village, the torching of the Cultural Village and looting and burning of township shops, upper Clarens has largely not been affected. As far as we are aware the only incidents were the stoning of Police vehicles at the main entrance to Clarens on Saturday and the uprooting of a waste bin and breaking of a chair from a restaurant on the square yesterday afternoon . The restraint shown as far as damage to private property in upper Clarens is concerned, is in keeping with what we were told by sources on Friday.
While the damage to the image of Clarens in undeniable Рthis is probably best handled by those entrusted with it. Our mandate as the SPF (sector 1), entails the safety and security of residents and property in Sector 1. To date this has not been compromised. We will continue to assist the SAPS in their efforts as best we can. At the writing of this communiqu̩ all of the known ringleaders have been arrested and are appearing in court today to apply for bail.
Absent landlords are welcome to contact me should they feel the need to do so.
Johann Lehman
083 447 9925
