WATCH: Chaos erupts as Western Cape #TotalShutdown continues

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Cape Town - Cape Town is on lockdown after various areas in the city erupted in chaos in the total shutdown protests against poverty and crime. Police used stun grenades, water cannons and rubber bullets to subdue protesters in Bonteheuwel. "In Bonteheuwel, on the corner of Bluegum Road and Jakes Gerwel Drive, eight people were arrested for public violence following run-ins with police that resulted in the disruption of traffic," the Western Cape police said in a statement. Hanover Park Avenue is closed at Turfhall Road, Turfhall Road is closed at Pook Road and there is no traffic towards Hanover Park Avenue. Protestors who blocked traffic on Jakes Gerwel Drive Southbound at Bluegum Avenue have since moved out of the roadway.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Protesters in Bluegum Avenue, Bonteheuwel. Video: Henk Kruger

One of the organisers of Tuesday's shutdown, Gatto Wanza, said the situation in Bonteheuwel escalated because police were preventing protesters from moving towards the highway.

"They are quite comfortable in allowing us to protest inside Bonteheuwel, but they are clearly protecting the interests of the wealthy by protecting the highway," Wanza said.

He confirmed that the situation in Bonteheuwel remained tense while protests in other areas were proceeding relatively peacefully.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Protesters make their voices heard in Kensington. Video: Henk Kruger

According to the mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, there are approximately 300-350 protestors across the city.

Govan Mbeki Road is closed between Caltex Garage and Snoekies where protesters are reportedly blocking the roadway and in Hanover Park, Govan Mbeki Road is closed at Becker Road and at Jan Smuts Drive.

Wanza said that this protest was just the beginning and that more protest action could be expected in the near future. "The actions by our communities show that they realise that government has no plan to help us out of our situation".