Public order police have, thus far, been the only thing standing between Somali nationals and Korsten locals.
Watch: Tensions simmer in Korsten racially driven clashes
Stun grenades and rubber bullets rung off on Durban Road, on Thursday, where large crowds had gathered outside foreign-owned businesses.
The unrest comes as a result of clashes between taxi drivers from the region and Somali businessmen.
Swisher Post News recently spoke to the Somali Association of South Africa (SASA) and based on their account of events, the violence that erupted at the busy transit district was the consequence of a collision between a taxi driver and a Somali national.
A day later, after eight taxis were torched and two more damaged beyond repair, angry locals have threatened retaliation at the Korsten business hub.
This video clip was taken on Thursday afternoon, shortly after Police Minister Bheki Cele’s oversight visit, and it shows two groups held back by police, who’ve been hard at work trying to restore order in the region.
#Unrest Situation a short while ago in Korsten, Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth. Strong @SAPoliceService presence. Stay clear from area.. @BOSBEER2006 @WCLiveTraffic @MARIUSBROODRYK @News24 @eNCA pic.twitter.com/Ybh7A5ywAo
— BOSBEER.COM (@BOSBEER2006) October 14, 2021
Bheki Cele calls for calm in Gqeberha town
Cele arrived in Korsten on Thursday morning to assess the scale of the damage caused by the unrest. Speaking to the media, the minister confirmed that efforts are being expedited to ensure that no further harm is done in a tense situation that has yet to claim a life.
Cele confirmed that taxi leaders have held talks with the Somali community in a bid to map a way forward.
“We encourage that, that they talk, the leadership of all other sectors, that they come together,” he said.
The minister also noted that investigations are ongoing to track down and deal with those responsible for the arson attack on the Korsten taxi rank and the gunfire that was heard ringing off during Wednesday’s unrest.
[LISTEN] Police Minister Gen Bheki Cele outlines the @SAPoliceService course of action following the violence outbreak & destruction of property in Korsten. He earlier met with representatives from the taxi, business communities to try and quell tensions following the arson. pic.twitter.com/ijXSm6Fsbq
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) October 14, 2021
No arrests have been made thus far.
