PICS: Olievenhoutbosch residents burn R55, cause car crash
'We are waiting for houses and development in Olievenhoutbosch but nothing is happening. Now we are crying about electricity.'
One of many fires is seen burning where protesters demonstrated after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
Riots erupted again in Olievenhoutbosch on Wednesday night when residents barricaded the R55 with stones and burning tyres.
The angry group took to the streets at about 8pm to protest against the sudden cut of electricity in the area.
“We are waiting for houses and development in Olievenhoutbosch, but nothing is happening. Now we are crying about electricity. Other days we cry about housing,” an angry resident who wished to remain anonymous said.
During the unrest, a man driving his car through the action was caught between the riotous group who stoned his car.
In an attempt to flee, the man drove into a ditch, injuring himself and damaging his car.
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- A police man walks past a roadblock on the R55, protesters demonstrated after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- A truck that drove on the R55 while protesters demonstrated after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- One of many fires is seen burning where protesters demonstrated after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- A man was injured on the R55 after his car was hit with stones by protesters demonstrating after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, the man lost control of his vehicle as he was speeding away and crashed into the veld along the R55, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- A man was injured on the R55 after his car was hit with stones by protesters demonstrating after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, the man lost control of his vehicle as he was speeding away and crashed into the veld along the R55, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- A man was injured on the R55 after his car was hit with stones by protesters demonstrating after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, the man lost control of his vehicle as he was speeding away and crashed into the veld along the R55, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- A man was injured on the R55 after his car was hit with stones by protesters demonstrating after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, the man lost control of his vehicle as he was speeding away and crashed into the veld along the R55, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- A man was injured on the R55 after his car was pelted with stones by protesters demonstrating after their electricity was unexpectedly cut in Olievenhoutbosch, 29 March 2017, the man lost control of his vehicle as he was speeding away and crashed into the veld along the R55, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
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- Fire file picture: Jacques Nelles
Police spokesperson Captain Bonginkosi Msimango said calm was restored in the early hours of Thursday morning.
“No other injuries were reported and no arrests were made. We are monitoring the situation and patrolling the area. There was also no damage to property.”
Ealier this month, hundreds of Olievenhoutbosch residents marched down the R55 to hand over a memorandum of demands to Gauteng chairperson Paul Mashatile.
Residents demanded better service delivery, the end of corruption and protested against the high rate of crime in the area.
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-rorisangk@citizen.co.za
