WATCH: Residents protest over informal settlements ‘shot’ in Elandspark

Residents of Elandspark took to the streets on October 11, barricading roads with rocks and burning tyres to express their frustrations.

It is believed residents are calling for the removal of informal settlements in the Lindokhule, Electron, and Springbok areas, which have been declared illegal by the City of Johannesburg.

A video circulating on social media from the protests shows law enforcement firing what appears to be rubber bullets at the demonstrators, causing protesters to flee in panic.

It is alleged that some residents sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

Others took to the Facebook Moffat View Crime Reports community group to share claims of injuries from the clashes. One user reported being shot during the protest earlier this morning.

In other news, residents of Wards 56 and 57 held a peaceful protest at the South Hills Reservoir and Rand Water offices following an 8-day water crisis.

Councillors said Joburg Water and Rand Water have remained unresponsive to the community’s pleas for help.

Councillors Michael Crichton (Ward 56) and Faeeza Chame (Ward 57) expressed their concerns, stating that despite their repeated appeals, Joburg Water and Rand Water have remained unresponsive to the community’s struggles.

The councillors said the severe hardships residents are facing, including school closures, elderly individuals struggling to transport heavy water buckets, and overflowing toilets due to a lack of sufficient water truck deliveries.

“Clinics have been forced to close due to the water shortage, and many families cannot afford to purchase water. Moreover, the water being distributed is often unclean. Residents have gone days without proper baths or showers,” they stated.