Residents of Kliptown protested over the lack of housing and the high crime rate. Photo by Themba Makofane ~
KLIPTOWN was on lockdown yesterday as cops and residents battled.
The trouble started in the Soweto kasi in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Teargas was thrown and a seven-month-old baby had to be rushed to hospital because teargas was inhaled.
Angry protesters stoned vehicles and caused chaos when they filled Kliptown train station, making it impossible for trains to stop.
Robert Dlamini (54), who has lived in the area his whole life, said the community was protesting about housing, electricity, sanitation and the high rate of crime.
“The protest was peaceful until the police arrived and started shooting at us, causing residents to fight back.
“The councillor doesn’t come to speak to the community. The issue of housing is very serious and you can’t walk at night without being robbed,” he said.
Elizabeth Fisher (36), who had lived in Kliptown for 15 years, said she had six kids and lived in a small house.
“We can’t continue living like this after being promised houses.”
When the SunTeam arrived at the scene, residents were throwing rocks and insulting the police.
Police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubela said six people had been arrested and charged with public violence.
No injuries were reported.
No comments:
Post a Comment