Around 100 people protested on Styx Road today (Thursday), demanding that foreign nationals be deported to their countries of origin.
The Actonville councillor told the City Times a group of around 100 protesters did not display violence and did not damage vehicles or shops in the area.
“I don’t think any form of unprovoked firing at a crowd is allowed in my book,” said Loonat.
However, provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieut Col Lungelo Dlamini said the protesters displayed violence.
“Members of the Public Order Police fired rubber bullets and teargas at Actonville Hostel dwellers who attempted to break and loot into nearby shops and prevent vehicles to pass on the main road,” said Dlamini.
“… The act of this violent group is regarded as criminal act with the intention to rob and steal from the shops and it will not be tolerated.”
Police asked shop owners in Actonville and Wattville to close their shops early last night and to remain closed today, as a precautionary measure against attacks.
Loonat told the City Times the leaders in the Actonville Hostel assured him they did not call on the residents to protest.
The councillor’s view was shared by Wattville resident Zama Nxele, who was a by-stander on Styx Road.
Nxele called for foreigners to be deported, but questions the use of violence from the police to disperse the crowd.
Click here to hear a sound clip from Nxele.
No arrests have been made.
Police are still monitoring the area.
