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.
(Compiled by Daniel Friedman. Background reporting, Lazarus Dithagiso)
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