Calm has once again been restored at Princess informal settlement, although Albertina Sisulu Road remains closed. Protest action flared up again yesterday afternoon (24 May), resulting in three Johannesburg Metro buses being petrol-bombed while driving past Princess Crossing Shopping Centre. Windscreens were broken but fortunately, two of the buses survived without extensive damage. They have already been repaired and are back on the road today.
Pick n Pay staff were able to assist the driver of the third bus to extinguish the fire which had engulfed his vehicle. The bus will need extensive repairs before being returned to the roads.
Also read: BREAKING: Riots flare up again in Princess
Police officers on scene were also attacked with petrol bombs but no injuries were reported. South Road looked like a war zone as the road (at the dip) was blocked with large rocks, burning tyres and branches. JMPD officers who were assigned to exercise oversight of the protesters were pelted with rocks and had to fire warning shots to caution the protesters. Public Order Policing was deployed last night to ensure a calm evening for the residents of Princess and Lindhaven, who have been living in fear until now. No incidents were reported and calm was maintained.
Residents are still urged to avoid Albertina Sisulu and South Roads, and to use alternative routes.
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