Update 23 April: Violent service delivery protests in Randfontein and Brandvlei have subsided owing to rain.
Both the R28 and the Brandvlei Road have been reopened for traffic.
The service delivery protests broke out early on 23 April with residents burning tyres and pelting vehicles with stones.
The herald also received a report of a truck that was set alight by protestors.
Police fired rubber bullets and numerous people were arrested for public violence.
Update 23 April: The herald has received a report of a family trapped in their home near the Brandvlei crossing while violent protests rage out of control in the street just metres away.
According to the message received, from a local resident, himself and his family are terrified.
Tyres are burning in the street and police have fired at protestors numerous times to try and keep them at bay, but to no avail.
The man continues to say that there are teachers and children also living on the property.
“We’re alright for now,” says the man.
“We’re just staying inside the house and out of sight.”
Update 23 April: The herald is receiving reports that the violent service delivery protest along the R28 in Randfontein is more widespread than initially thought.
According to reports received, protestors are causing havoc along the R28 from Uncle Harry’s all the way to Westonaria.
Reports were also received that protests have erupted at the Brandvlei crossing.
One report suggests that protestors had set fire to a truck and that the pelting of vehicles with stones are continuing despite police efforts to control the crowds.
Watch this space for more as this story develops.
23 April: A violent service delivery protest has erupted along the R28 in Randfontein.
Social media sites are abuzz with claims that protestors are pelting motorists with rocks and burning tyres in the street.
Randfontein police have closed the road between the R41 and Randfontein Road in an effort to contain the violence.
A herald reporter is currently on the scene.
Watch this space for more as this story develops.
