Two police officers and five Komatipoort community members have been taken to hospital as they had sustained injuries during a protest in the area earlier today, July 28.
A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the protest seems to be under control and the roads are clear, and that the police are closely monitoring the situation.
He said that protesters had broken three windows of the Komatipoort Police Station and that two police officers had been rushed to hospital after one had sustained injuries to his head and the other to his hand.
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Mohlala said five community members had also been taken to hospital, however, the state of their injuries are unknown at this stage.
He said the police have arrested 10 people. “Of the 10 people arrested, only two are South African citizens. The other eight are all undocumented immigrants.”
The area erupted into chaos in the early hours today as scores of protesters took to the streets. Video footage and photos from residents in the area, sent by local hairdressers Hair Zone, had shown people throwing large rocks, setting tyres and rubble on fire in the middle of roads and even breaking down street signs.
Several Komatipoort residents had reported ongoing violent protests in town that have seen the majority of businesses close for the day and roads being blockaded by burning rubble.
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.
