Massive protest in Diepsloot, live ammunition fired

Calm has been restored to the Diepsloot area. read out update here.

Update: 8.20am, 29 June 2016: The DA councillor in Diepsloot, Refilwe Mathebula has attributed the disturbances in Diepsloot to the alleged firing of nurses in local clinics and the fight for jobs at the new mall, which is currently under construction.

The Douglasdale Community Police Forum confirmed that at least one police officer was killed during the violence that erupted last night, and another was wounded. Douglasdale CPF stated on their Facebook page that both of the police officers’ firearms were taken during the commotion.

Thoughts and prayers with the family and colleagues of the policeman killed in the Diepsloot unrest last night @SAPoliceService

— IRS Forensic Investigations (@FraudWatchZA) June 29, 2016

Update: 6.44am, 29 June 2016:

The R511 is open to traffic and the situation in Diepsloot is calm this morning following protest action in the township last night.

It is still unclear what caused the protest action but updates to follow as information comes to light.

11.09pm, 28 June 2016:

The riots started on the evening of 28 June.

The Douglasdale Community Police Forum has confirmed that Diepsloot is currently the scene of public unrest. Forum chairperson Jean Berdou has urged community members to avoid the area. “Traffic is being diverted. Please do not travel into the area whatsoever,” he said.

Berdou said live ammunition was being fired and police reinforcements were being sent to the Diepsloot area. Berdou said he had received reports of looting within Diepsloot Mall.

Metro police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar confirmed that protests were violent. “Residents are throwing stones and burning tyres,” he said.

Minnaar also urged motorists to avoid the R511, but said the N1 was currently safe.

Reports of a police officer being shot were unconfirmed by Minnaar and Berdou.

The R511, N14 and R114 have been affected by the protest.

At this stage it is unclear what residents are protesting about.

https://twitter.com/Fighter4SA/status/747904870561218560

Reports of SAPS member fatally wounded, 2 others disarmed. PLEASE stop with the killing of our brothers and sisters in Blue #Diepsloot

— PtaGuy (@PtaGuy23) June 28, 2016

Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar says protesters looted the Diepsloot mall and burnt tyres. Avoid R511 near #Diepsloot #Violent #Riot

— Iavan Pijoos (@iavanpijoos) June 28, 2016

Avoid using R511 close to #Diepsloot. Protesters are throwing stones and burning tyres. #Diepsloot #Riot

— Iavan Pijoos (@iavanpijoos) June 28, 2016

#AVOID Diepsloot area by N14, R512 and R511 Riots in full force! @mattydk1 @OF_THE_SOUTH @GrootFM @jaca_traffic @Gauteng_911 @EMERGCONTROL

— *Nicolette* (@nicol3tt3000) June 28, 2016

Confirmed: Diepsloot – Violent rioting with shots fired. Affecting R511, N14 & R114. Avoid until further notice. pic.twitter.com/DkbU0AJ9CL

— Douglasdale CPF S2 (@DDCPFSector2) June 28, 2016

I24emergency Diepsloot chaos police officer killed by protesters the rule of law is no more in Diepsloot

— I24emergency (@crimealertkznsa) June 28, 2016

One policeman killed in #Diepsloot – two others disarmed. Unrest continues.

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 28, 2016

Riots in Diepsloot
One blue vest member down and didn't make it.
Province EMS vehicle damaged and EMS members evacuated area

— Courtney Greene (@KortKnee) June 28, 2016

https://twitter.com/MaxiConsultant/status/747898388650336256

Protest Warning

Rioting currently taking place in Diepsloot, avoid N14 and R511. Avoid this area. https://t.co/SbQs3vwnJp

— Laudium DM (@DMLaudium) June 28, 2016

https://twitter.com/SLB4Real/status/747892602737942528

Have you witnessed any of the protesting? Let us know by posting on our timeline on Facebook by clicking here or tweet us @Fourways_Review.