Toekomsrus residents took to the streets on Monday, 22 May to protest about service delivery in scenes that could be compared with a war zone. The local municipal building was burnt down in the process.
This morning, residents and motorists were informed of several protests in areas such as the R28, Mohlakeng, the Lafarge Cement Plant, Finsbury and Toekomsrus. Residents were confused and unsure of their safety on main roads.
Rumours of barricading, violence and even gunshots in Mohlakeng were reported to the Herald.
The Herald was on the scene in Toekomsrus, where a group of residents threw petrol bombs, looted a liquor store, and threw rocks at Randfontein police officers. The police responded by firing off teargas canisters and rubber bullets.
Also Read: Call for calm after violent protests
The group of protesters continued, shouting their causes out to the police and community. The public order unit was dispatched, but after they left the area close to the Toekomsrus library, the protesters became even more aggressive, and set fire to the municipal building.
The West Rand Trio Task team also arrived on scene, followed by the Randfontein Fire Department.
While this article was being prepared for publication, the Herald was informed that the protests and vandalism are ongoing.
Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police, released a statement earlier today, in which she said, “Approximately 1 000 disgruntled residents of Toekomsrus have barricaded all the entrance and exit routes in Toekomsrus with stones and burning tyres since early this morning. The protest is allegedly about dissatisfaction with service delivery.”
Public Order Policing members and local officers are on the scene. A local chain store was also looted during the protest action. The situation is still tense and various role players are currently interacting with the residents.
The Randfontein station commander, Brigadier Manamela, will be facilitating an official meeting between the disgruntled residents and local council members later today.
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