The recent protests over poor service delivery in the Greater Soweto region have spread to Diepkloof where residents, fed up with the slow allocation of housing, took over Diepkloof streets to show the level of frustration felt by the community.
Fearing that businesses would be looted, like the widespread looting which took place in other areas, business owners have locked up their businesses to avoid incurring losses from protesters.
The South African Police Services are on the scene and have fired rubber bullets at protesting residents in attempts to disperse the crowds gathered in the streets.
One protester who was arrested by six police officials was engaged in an altercation after being handcuffed and carried away. He was ultimately released after residents negotiated with police to set him free.
Speaking out about the looting which characterises protests, captain Phephi Matlou of the Diepkloof police said, The people who are protesting should stay away from vandalising property because this will be treated as a criminal offence.”
Next week could see further protests as indicated by a member of parliament, Tshepo Mhlongo’s take on the protests.
He said, “Diepkloof community leaders have been warned of a shutdown in Diepkloof on May 24. All roads around Diepkloof will be closed. We are aware that it is the ANC members who instigated this because they want to make Joburg ungovernable.”
We can confirm that residents are still burning tyres and have blocked the roads with rocks. Police have been deployed to monitor the situation but clashes between them and protesters haven’t halted.
The City of Joburg allegedly failed to give feedback to residents of Diepkloof following last week’s protest action (click on the link below to read the antecedent article).
Read more: SEE PHOTOS: Residents of Diepkloof demand RDP houses
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#Diepkloof Community confronting police on why they shooting.KG pic.twitter.com/IT1VpTMkLH
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 24, 2017
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#Diepkloof #HousingProtest Police arrest one protester who refused to be arrested,ultimately wrestling ???? with cops for his release.KG pic.twitter.com/0At2XBoh4G
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 24, 2017
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#Diepkloof The protester who wrestled with police was released after leaders of the #HousingProtest negotiated for his release.KG pic.twitter.com/7NfQ5AaG8m
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 24, 2017
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#HousingProtest Residents of #Diepkloof are demanding to see Gauteng MEC Paul Mashatile. ML pic.twitter.com/whOKBrhWFt
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 24, 2017
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