WATCH: Protests in Eden Park becoming violent

Protest action in Eden Park by parents of children in Opel Weg Primary intensified on April 17. Unhappy with the response they have received from the Department of Education the protest, which was largely contained to the streets outside of Opel Weg Primary, have extended to various parts of Eden Park.

The protesters are aiming to close down all access points to the school and the larger Eden Park until their demands have been met by the department.

The parents are protesting due to problems within Opel Weg Primary and surrounding schools which they believe are the work of certain individuals linked to a teachers union. The protesters have delivered names of those believed to causing the problems in the school to the department on April 10 and the department claimed they needed more time to investigate. The delay in response from and unhappiness about the seeming indifference of the Department of Education have led to the protesters continuing and expanding the protest.

Police and EMPD units responded to the blocking off of Opel Weg Road with burning tyres by the protesters. The police tried to reason with the protesters explaining that the protest was no longer peaceful and constituted damage to property. Protesters refused to clear the road and the officers forcefully removed the barricading rocks and the burning tyres.

WATCH:

The RECORD has requested response from the Department of Education regarding the protest but no response was received from the department.

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