Several Komatipoort residents have reported ongoing violent protests in town that have seen the majority of businesses close for the day and roads being blockaded by burning rubble.
The area erupted into chaos in the early hours of this morning, July 28, as scores of protestors took to the streets. Video footage and photos from residents in the area, sent by local hairdressers Hair Zone, show people throwing large rocks, setting tyres and rubble on fire in the middle of roads and even breaking down street signs.
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Some of the photos show a few local businesses had their storefront windows and doors broken.
Securicon Lowveld’s Henry Coetzer said they and the police are currently on the scene. A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, confirmed that the police were on the ground and working to disperse the crowds.
It is believed the protest was started due to requests from some community members for better service delivery, that the local clinic must operate daily, access to social and recreational activities, the extension of a local school and to be more involved in the area’s local economy.
This is a developing story. Lowvelder will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
