Eye witnesses told Advertiser’s reporter on the scene, Ntombi Sibeko, that the elderly woman died after apparently inhaling tear gas.
A well- placed source told this publication that the death is now being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
The woman was allegedly among irate residents who took to the streets this morning, accusing the municipality of failing to deliver services.
They barricaded the entrance to the township, Gelderblom Street near the R554, with burning tyres and stones since morning, demanding better service delivery in the township.
There were allegations that while trying to disperse the protesting residents, police fired a tear gas canister into the crowd, which was at the time reportedly attempting to barricade the R554.
According to Dawn Park SAPS’ Const Nkemeleng Mabula, the protesters were marching towards R554, when they turned violent and started to throw stones at the police.
“It is reported that as they were running back, towards the nearby houses, one of the protesters aged 65 years old fell to the ground before she was immediately picked up by some of the protesters,” said Mabula.
An ambulance was then called to the scene and certified the woman dead.
Mabula added that an inquest docket has been open to determine the cause of the woman’s death. Three suspects were also arrested and charged with public violence.
Members of the SAPS and EMPD are closely monitoring the area.
