UPDATE: Mohlakeng in chaos, R28 still closed
Latest update on the riot in Mohlakeng. R28 is still closed and police urge motorists to not use the road between Randfontein and Westonaria.
Looting, damage to properties, police shots, threats to media personnel and injuries were the order of the day in Mohlakeng on Wednesday, 30 May.
All this unfolded as residents expressed their prolonged disgruntlement with the municipality. In the midst of the chaos, five people, including two minors, were arrested.
As the protest was under way, criminal elements also featured, as the Mohlakeng satellite police station was burnt down.
Police said Shoprite was looted when they arrived at the scene, and four vehicles damaged, including the police’s Casspir and Nyala.
“Both police and civilian vehicles were damaged,” said Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson.
Ernst added that one police officer was taken to hospital after protesters threw a brick at him.
“Currently, the situation here is volatile, but it has been contained. The R28 is still closed between Randfontein and Westonaria.
“We are advising people to not use the road. We are monitoring the situation and our members are in the area. We have brought the whole cluster’s police in as well.”
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