/ 19 May 2005

Port Elizabeth protesters block streets

More roads were blocked in Port Elizabeth on Thursday as angry residents ignored the Eastern Cape premier’s call for calm, taking to the streets for the fourth day this week to protest against slow housing delivery, police said.

Police spokesperson Johan Beetge said the main roads in the suburb of New Brighton have been blocked with burning tyres and that residents are toyi-toying.

”Police are monitoring the situation. They will not hesitate to act should any motorist’s life be in danger or should the crowd get out of control,” said Beetge.

Premier Nosimo Balindlela on Wednesday called on the residents of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan to be calm.

No injuries have been reported since the beginning of the demonstrations on Monday. — Sapa