Vereeniging protesters using live ammo kill one as nationwide shutdowns continue
Police were reportedly firing rubber bullets in a bid to disperse protesters in Rust Ter Vaal while motorists grappled with blocked roads all over SA.
Picture: Twitter/Rob Beezy
Police in Rust Ter Vaal, outside Vereeniging, say protests in the area have led to the death of one person, after protesters fired live ammunition.
There have also been reports of protesters hurling stones at motorists on the R82, passing through Rust Ter Vaal.
Police are reportedly firing rubber bullets on foot in a bid to disperse the protesters.
This follows the death of one member of the Red Ants – a notorious group providing security and eviction services – and one protester after clashes in the area on Wednesday.
A member of the Red Ants was attacked and killed with a sharp instrument before he was stoned by unruly members of the community squatting in an open space near Rust Ter Vaal, Vaal Weekblad reported.
Members of the Red Ants also allegedly killed one of the community members.
Three community members were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The Red Ants were reportedly clearing an unlawful squatter settlement.
Nationwide protests have also continued nationwide on Friday, with numerous reports of areas being shut down by protesters ahead of elections.
The police released a list of several areas they are monitoring. Traffic to and from Soweto has been particularly badly affected.
#sapsGP Service Delivery #ProtestAction: Public Order Police (POP Units) deployed in these areas to restore law and order and to bring these areas to normalisation #PoliceVisibility ME pic.twitter.com/vTQOiUnezk
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) April 12, 2019
JHB – Soweto: #ProtestAction N17 Route: RT @ThabisoRama N17 community unrest.. @TrafficSA pic.twitter.com/cytuWmqRNC
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 12, 2019
JHB – R24 Route: #ProtestAction at Orient Hills – SLOW TRAFFIC in the area (Krugersdorp / Magaliesburg) pic.twitter.com/4gVqX6SfEC
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 12, 2019
JHB – Soweto: #ProtestAction RT @Nonch2 @TrafficSA Fleurhof road is a nightmare pic.twitter.com/KrwwfcFROZ
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 12, 2019
JHB – Soweto: #ProtestAction N17 Route: #CRASH in the protesting area earlier this morning @ThabisoRama pic.twitter.com/fJXRAUdLLP
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 12, 2019
JHB – Soweto: #ProtestAction RT @sixteen83 We are trapped in Fleurhof, please assist @TrafficSA @AsktheChiefJMPD #kurough pic.twitter.com/MZ9jvK9OZL
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/RiotAndAttackSA/status/1116566433150816256
(Compiled by Daniel Friedman. Background reporting, Lazarus Dithagiso)
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