PROTESTERS CLASH WITH COPS

Mayhem at the Civic Centre after the mayor ‘refused’ to meet with Khaye residents over grievances

- STORY & PICTURE BY MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

KHAYELITSHA residents clashed with police as they attempted to hand over a memorandum to Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis yesterday.

Hundreds, led by councillors Lonwabo Mqina, Khayalethu Kama, Thando Mpengezi and Ndithini Thyido, marched to the Civic Centre.

Tensions later flared when a few protesters were pepper-sprayed as they tried to walk up the stairs to demand that the mayor receive their memorandum in person.

Noliza Nkampula said: "The police pepper-sprayed us as we were singing while walking up the stairs after hearing the mayor didn't want to come out to us.

"And we were not trying to access the building."