A JMPD Officer has been injured by a rock that was thrown by rioting crowds in Cosmo City according to Vital-Med spokesperson Tania du Toit.
It is alleged that the rioting was sparked by the demolition of illegal backrooms.
An emergency vehicle was also stoned.
“Following a demolition of illegal shacks in Cosmo City by the Red Ants a riot has broke out. Looting and theft are also taking place. Various police officers from the Honeydew Cluster and Public Order Police have been deployed to restore order and monitor the situation. Douglasdale CPF recommend that you stay clear of the area if possible. We will keep you updated on the situation”, according to the Douglasdale CPF FaceBook page.
Ward councillor of the area Noni Raphata alleged that violent protesters were earlier at her house attempting to burn it down. “Luckily the police were here and they prevented that from happening. Rocks and tyres are still outside my house to show that these people were up to no good,” added Raphata.
According to the councillor, residents were angered by the demolition of the illegal house structures they had added to their homes without the City’s approval.
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