[UPDATE: Protest] Protesters burn down Mall@eMba

[6.45am – 26 June] Protesters burned down the Mall@eMba after looting the shops.

Police said the fire began at about 11.30pm last night.

Police are on scene.

 

[8.10pm] Protesters are now looting Mall@eMba.

According to the police, the protesters gained entry at the receiving gates at the mall.

The police have arrested 28 people.

[12:00] More than a thousand protesters have gathered outside the eMbalenhle Police Station to demand the release of those who were arrested for public violence, business burglary, and theft.

Police officers formed a barricade between the police station and the protesters, but were outnumbered by angry protesters.

Officers used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd that tried to enter the police station.

The current situation is extremely tense.

Earlier today two police officers were injured and ER24 were called to assist the injured.

One was assaulted and another thrown with a stone.

[11:00] 34 people were arrested for public violence and one for business burglary and theft.

Protesters have looted a garage in eMbalenhle and also broke an ATM machine.

The protesters also looted a furniture storeroom and stole various items such as beds.

Updates to follow.

eMbalenhle residents are protesting against poor service delivery.

They are fed up with the regular power outages in eMbalenhle.

The protesters are also demanding the removal of the acting municipal manager and they want the Govan Mbeki Municipality to be placed under administration.

The police have warned motorists to avoid the roads around eMbalenhle and to rather take alternative routes.

They said motorists living in that area should avoid driving as the situation is dangerous.

Police are on the scene.

Also read: [UPDATE] Protest is flaring up in eMbalenhle – Avoid the R546 road