Protest suspects to reappear in court

The nine Benoni suspects (of a total of 17) who were arrested on charges of committing violent acts during the protest of June 26 will reappear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (July 5).

Benoni SAPS hold off protesters who wanted to march to the Customer Care Centre on Elston Avenue.

The nine suspects were charged with public violence and are expected to make their appearance for bail applications.

The protest saw hundreds of people take their dissatisfaction over inadequate housing to the streets.

Along the way, properties were damaged and people were hurt.

Ekurhuleni Central Cluster commander Maj-Gen Poobalan Subbiah is not taking the matter lightly.

“We are busy with investigations as to who started the protest and investigating those who were arrested,” Subbiah said.

“We are investigating in terms of incitement to violence and damage to property.”

“They don’t care about people’s lives,” said Ken Ford, owner and manager of Sunshine Hospital in Actonville.

According to Ford, doctors were attacked and intimidated while attempting to get to the hospital on the day of the protests.

Ford stated that paramedics were concerned about bringing patients to the hospital.

“Someone needs to be held accountable for the damage,” said Ford.

“We have had to reschedule operations because doctors haven’t been able to get into the hospital.”

A rock thrown by a protester into an apartment at the Pauline Davis Court injured resident Samuel Rautenbach (72).

“I heard the sound of a window breaking,” Rautenbach said.

“My curtains were drawn so I opened them to see what was happening outside, and then a rock was thrown, which hit my head.”

The operation of the Benoni Fire Station was also suspended following damage to the facility during the protest, which ended at the Benoni Customer Care Centre.

William Ntladi, media liaison officer for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said stones and various objects were used to damage the building.

Several businesses were also unable to trade.

Aadil Dasoo, owner of the BP and Pick n Pay garage on Liverpool Road (near the circle in Actonville) said the side windows of the garage were smashed during the protest.