Extra cops deployed as PE protests turn violent

Police deployed additional manpower from different police stations across the Bay as well as the public order policing unit after fed-up parents‚ pupils and taxi associations brought part of Nelson Mandela Bay to a standstill on Monday.

Police spokesman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said a water cannon was also deployed to the scene.

“Rubber bullets have been fired as well as stun grenades and teargas used to disperse the crowds‚” she said.

“At this stage‚ we are trying stabilise the area and are deploying extra resources.”

According to Brenhan Metune‚ head of EMS in Nelson Mandela Bay‚ ambulances are also unable to enter the area.

Janse van Rensburg added that no arrests for public violence had yet been made.

Transport came to a complete halt as taxis from the area to other parts of the city joined the day-long action after 33 schools were shut down due to a number of problems‚ the main one being a shortage of teachers.