Langa community leaders met police during a tense standoff on Tuesday to negotiate the release of residents who were arrested during protests over housing and services at the township in Cape Town.The protests turned violent overnight and early on Tuesday. A local post office was burnt‚ commuters had to navigate streets littered with debris‚ pupils could not get to school and Metrorail trains were affected by vandalism in the area on the Cape Flats.Several men and women were taken into custody on Tuesday morning after they went on the rampage. Vehicles were stoned‚ streets barricaded and properties were damaged. Police responded with stun grenades and rubber bullets. More than a dozen people were arrested.Police are now controlling entry into the area.After the arrest of the protestors‚ hundreds of residents gathered outside the police station to demand the release of those who were arrested.Inside‚ community leaders and police officials held tense negotiations in the boardroom.Community leader Phumelele Nombawu said no development has ever taken place at the Langa hostels and this is one of reasons behind the protests.Journalist Tshego ‏@tshegofatsang tweeted a video of police arresting two people‚ as residents screamed from the sidelines.“Residents scream at cops after they arrest two youths & lay them on ground #LangaShutdown”Residents scream at cops after they arrest two youths & lay them on ground #LangaShutdown@DailyVoiceSApic.twitter.com/6MwN99Izym
— Tshego (@tshegofatsang) September 20, 2016junk“Protesters used wooden planks as shields against rubber bullets‚ while throwing rocks at police.”Rioters use planks as shields against rubber bullets & pelt cops with rocks & bottles @DailyVoiceSA#LangaShutdownpic.twitter.com/QEJ3FYaJoW
— Tshego (@tshegofatsang) September 20, 2016junk“Who's to blame for the vandalism Kwalanga? #LangaShutdown #DAcountry‚” asked @BantuMahaliWho's to blame for the vandalism Kwalanga? #LangaShutdown#DAcountrypic.twitter.com/yvT8EiXJVt— Bantu Mahali™ (@BantuMahali) September 20, 2016junkEarlier this year‚ the Sunday Times reported that government’s flagship housing project in the area‚ known as the N2 Gateway Project‚ had fallen into a state of disrepair.A decade ago‚ Cynthia Bokwe became the face of the government’s solution to the housing crisis.Amid a blaze of publicity‚ she was handed the key to the first home at N2 Gateway - a joint initiative between the national‚ provincial and local governments which was meant to provide affordable rental housing for 705 poor families.But today‚ the homes are derelict‚ raw sewage oozes from burst pipes‚ cracked walls‚ filth and leaking roofs characterise the complex. – TMG Digital/The Times..