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Update: Rabie Ridge shutdown, protesters battling with land grabbers in the area

RABIE RIDGE – Mulitple roads have been blocked due to the protest action. Police have fired rubber bullets at protesters.

April 15, 2019
Staff Reporter 1 minute read
Burning tyres and rocks barricade many entrances and exist in Rabie Ridge, this is in Modderfontein and Freedom Drive intersection. Photo: Ofentse Ditlopo

Update, 15 April, 2pm

According to Charles Jones of the Rabie Ridge Residents Association (RRRA) during the early protest action, eight community members were arrested, three of those arrested were wrongfully arrested, they have asked for the rest to be released.

Nokuthula Mbele, one of the wrongfully arrested community members, told our Midrand Reporter journalist Ofentse Ditlopo that she hid in a nearby toilet when police started firing rubber bullets, “I saw with my own eyes the police firing the rubber bullets, the police ignored the actual protesters and arrested me in the toilet. ”

Abel Nkosi, director of the Metro police for Region A, addressed the community saying the shacks will be removed on 16 April, the case of illegal land grabs has been reported. He added that they are now waiting on resources to be allocated.

Earlier, disgruntled residents came out in their numbers to protest against land grabbers and for proper housing in the area.

Initial report, 15 April, 9.20am

Barricades and rubber bullets have been the modus operandi in the Rabie Ridge shut down since the early hours of 15 April, with entrances and exits being blocked.

It has been reported by Midrand Reporter’s Ofenste Ditlopo, who is on the scene, that the exits and entrances in the area have been blocked with tyres and rocks. Tyres were set alight on Freedom Road near a petrol station since the late evening of 14 April. Law enforcement authorities are on the scene.

It is believed that the community is protesting against land grabs, crime, lack of development in the area and proper housing.

Police have fired rubber bullets at protesters.

Calvin Prince a Rabie Ridge youth shot with a rubber bullet by police.  Photo: Ofenste Ditlopo

 

Juliet Mogotsi Thomas, 70, shot by rubber bullets by police. Photo: Ofenste Ditlopo

Roads that have been affected by the protest action include corner of Falcon and Stilt avenues and Falcon Avenue closed from Modderfontein Road.

To follow live updates, follow Ofentse Ditlopo tweets here

This is a developing story, more updates to follow.

 

 

April 15, 2019
Staff Reporter 1 minute read

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