UPDATE:
A pro-Israel demonstration that was set to take place on the Sea Point Promenade on Sunday afternoon was halted shortly before it could begin.
According to reports, approximately 1 000 pro-Palestinian supporters gathered on the promenade at around noon in anticipation of the demonstration scheduled for 2:30pm.
Approximately 2 500 pro-Israel supporters were expected to participate in the demonstration, but buses carrying the supporters were turned away by the police and the event was cancelled, reported News24.
What began as a peaceful counter-demonstration turned chaotic as a heavy presence of police and provincial law enforcement officers resulted in the firing of stun grenades and water canons and subsequent clashes between police and protesters.
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed that four people have been arrested on charges of public violence and will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.
The entrance to the Sea Point police station is currently closed, according to The Atlantic Seaboard Community Forum Facebook group admin Peter Flentov.
Flentov said part of the pro-Palestinian supporters that had gathered on the promenade earlier today embarked on an impromptu march and are now gathered in front of the police station, where the four detainees are reportedly being held.
‘A police nyala is reportedly guarding the entrance,’ he added.
JUST IN
Pro-Palestine supporters have descended upon the streets of Sea Point in solidarity with the besieged people of Palestine. The impromptu march comes after a pro-Israeli prayer meeting was set to be held in the area earlier today.
Photo: VOCfm#Palestine #COCT pic.twitter.com/0WmMbA1Yi8
— Voice of the Cape (@VOCfm) November 12, 2023
This comes a day after thousands of people marched through central Cape Town in support of Palestine, many calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and to shut down Israel’s embassy in South Africa.
Picture: Murray Swart
UPDATE:
As tension continues to rise as both Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israeli protesters gather on the Sea Point Promenade, Cape {town} Etc has received footage of police using stun grenades, tear gas and nyalas (water canons) to disperse the crowds:
Pro-Palestinian protesters can be heard chanting as stun grenades go off:
The police continue to form blockades to contain the crowd. A Pro-Palestinian protester has been detained following a confrontation with the police:
Picture: Aqeeb Begg / Supplied
Pro-Palestinian protestors have gathered in large numbers along the Sea Point Promenade, just two and a half hours before the pro-Israel Christian organisations plan to hold a peaceful ‘prayer and proclamation for Israel on the Promenade this afternoon.
Also read: Christian groups to hold peaceful pro-Israel protest on Promenade today
Currently, the situation is volatile, people are vocal in chanting peacefully, while others are displaying anger. There is a visible police presence on the scene.
Cape {town} Ect is on-site providing live coverage:
A protestor was detained for crossing the police line but was subsequently released.
Protestors participating peacefully
Also read:
Picture: Madelize van Der Merwe