GALLERY: Chaos hits Kimberley as buildings burn amid protests
Service delivery protests have culminated in a shutdown of the Northern Cape city as buildings burn and police fire rubber bullets and use teargas.
Picture: Twitter.
Chaos has erupted in Kimberley as several buildings have been reported to be on fire following service delivery protests.
Angry protesters were outside the municipal office waiting for the mayor to address them.
Several people have been injured, Northern Cape police told News24 on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Dimakatso Mooi said chaos erupted when residents delivered their memorandum of demands at the municipal office.
“Police had to fire rubber bullets when chaos erupted. No arrests have been made yet,” Mooi said.
The protests are the result of service delivery issues and high tariffs. Those protesting also demanded that certain officials from the Sol Plaatje Municipality vacate their positions.
Police on the scene earlier said they were forced to use tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Some on social media reported the municipal building had been set on fire.
This is a developing story, and we will keep readers updated.
Its bad in #Kimberley pic.twitter.com/oEBdSfYwxR
— Moscow Maepa (@MoscowMaepa) July 12, 2018
The current #KimberleyShutDown is a clear indication of what happens when the leadership becomes complacent. So comfortable to charge a R260 tariff. So comfortable to assume the public would "understand". Lesson learned: Leadership + complacency = public revolt #kimberley
— D. President Womzabalazo (@lesego_louw) July 12, 2018
Batho ba Kimberley😂😂
Ya'll decided to burn buildings?
I thought this was a peaceful strike🤔🤔— Khosi Twala Stan (@Tshego_gyel) July 12, 2018
