Angry residents of Ivory Park in Ward 78 have been protesting since 3:30 am. Residents have since continued to protest, and threw pretol bombs at the police. There is still a heavy police presence in the area, and onlookers and motorists were blockaded from joining the protest.
At the centre of the protest, burning tyres and rubble are strewn. According to a street vendor who was at the scene, residents are protesting because of poor roads, housing and general lack of service delivery. Qween Ngwenya, an Ivory Park resident, explained that the protest disrupted her day.
”I am running from the police as they are shooting at the protesters. They told me to run away. I was on my way to Kaalfontein taxi rank, but was denied to pass,” she said.
Another local resident, Mr Vusi Ngwenya, had to run for cover. “I nearly died when the protesters wanted to burn me in the fire when trying to have a way to work, I am extremely scared because it is happening near my place. Innocent people will die and others will loose their jobs.”
Ivory Park SAPS, communication officer, Warrant Officer Neldah Sekgobela, said that a case of public violence was opened.
“No one is arrested yet. The police will remain at the scene until the residents calm down and disperse to their homes,” she added.
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