Protest action: Fifteen released on warning

The 15 accused who appeared  before the Parys Magistrate’s Court today, Monday 23 January, on count of public violence, were released from custody shortly after 11:00, with a warning to be in court on the 27th of February. This follows widespread protest action due to the ongoing water supply issues in Parys, which started on Sunday 15 January when members of the community started burning tyres and municipal water tanks. The fifteen accused were arrested last week.

The protest action had caused disruption of services and major loss of income for businesses last week. Schools in Parys are still closed since the protest action caused total chaos in Parys on Monday 16 January. It was at the time of print still uncertain as to when schools will be able to reopen again.

Today the situation was calm around the court building and in town with the police keeping a close eye. All routes were open for traffic.

Businesses opened their doors as usual and for many it was back to work and normality today, though taps were still dry for many residents from Parys, Tumahole and Schonkenville.

Gazette has asked the municipality for feedback on the water crisis, which will be published as soon as feedback is received.