Members of the Randfontein Police and Public Order Policing (POP) were forced to use rubber bullets on approximately 600 protesters in the Mohlakeng area on Monday, 14 May.
“It is alleged that protesters again tried to close the R28 between Randfontein and Westonaria.
They stormed the members who had no option but to use the necessary force to quell the riot,” said Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein Police.
During this action, police members arrested 11 suspects on charges of public violence. Police and civilian vehicles were damaged when the protesting group pelted them with stones. The protest started on Friday, 11 May, allegedly due to dissatisfaction with the local Municipality.
Read more here: Mass protest to hand over a memorandum
During the weekend, the area was quiet. A shut-down was then allegedly arranged, but at about 4am on Monday, the situation again flared up.
Currently the Gauteng POP, Randfontein Police and local Traffic officers are monitoring the situation.
The Randfontein station commander, Brigadier Jacob Manamela, advised motorists to avoid the R559 and the R28 which passes Mohlakeng if possible, in order to prevent unnecessary damage to vehicles caused by the debris on the roads. Alternative routes are recommended.
During the morning of 15 May, protesters from Westonaria Borwa were to march in a legal protest to the Rand West Local Municipality.
The Herald will keep the community updated.
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