South Africa: Riots continue near Cape Town July 3 /update 1

Event

Riots are reportedly continuing for the third consecutive day, as of Monday morning, July 3, in Hout Bay forcing Cape Town officials to close Victoria Road and Main Road. Traffic has also reportedly been suspended on Route 108, which runs from Hangberg to Adderley Street, and Route 109, which runs from Imizamo Yethu to the city center. This temporary suspension of the traffic is due to rubble set afire by protestors. It is unclear when traffic will resume as normal; heavy traffic disruptions around Hout Bay are to be expected. Further protests and potential violence cannot be ruled out in the coming days.

Context

Residents of Imizamo Yethu who were displaced by a massive fire earlier in 2017 are protesting a lack of housing and service delivery at their informal settlement in Hout Bay. Protesters claim they were promised better housing conditions within three months following the fire.

Advice

Those present in Cape Town are advised to avoid the vicinity of the protests in Hout Bay until the situation has been fully resolved. Monitor developments to the situation and anticipate transportation disruptions in the area.