Watch: Over 20 injured after JMPD intervenes at land invasion
One man was admitted to hospital while 25 recover.
Residents from Extension Six were shot at with rubber bullets and allege that live ammunition was also used by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) on Saturday.
The process was described as socialisation of land by the Greater Eldorado Park Civic Association (GEPCA) and encouraged residents to take what rightfully belongs to them.
According to Donne Reece, a shack was built at the end of the veld but was moved closer to Cavendish Street for security reasons.
JMPD attempted to remove the shack but was blocked by residents on Saturday.
JMPD allegedly retaliated by firing at the crowd, without using water to disperse them, and ran after them firing in a residential area.
JMPD’s Edna Mamonyane confirms rubber bullets were used.
“I can confirm that rubber bullets were used.
“We had to use it because our officers were threatened by the invaders.
“JMPD tried to disperse invaders but they started throwing stones,” Mamonyane said.
Residents deny using any form of weapon or threat.
A video supplied to Urban News by a resident reveals residents constantly telling JMPD they aren’t fighting.
Residents can be seen surrounding the shack in an attempt to stop the officers from demolishing it.
Another man is seen approaching the officers with a brick but is stopped and reprimanded by a resident.
Based on the video, no other resident is seen with a weapon.
At the end of the video, an officer can be seen firing into the air, a few seconds later shots go off and residents flee.
A man was admitted to hospital while over 20 people were shot and injured.
A lot of them had wounds on their backs, behind their legs and shoulders.
Elaine Renecke and Dawood Stevenson describe the moment of shooting as scary, stressful and painful.
“It was painful like hell and it wasn’t right how they (JMPD) treated us.
“We were treated like animals,” Stevenson said.
Residents also alleged that racist remarks were made by the metro police.
They say they will not stop demanding that houses are built for them.
The GEPCA also took six entities to court last week to prevent the removal of structures set up.
The matter has been postponed.
A public housing meeting will be held on May 23 at the veld in Cavendish Street at 1:30pm.
