Paardeplaats protesters blasted with rubber bullets
Tensions flared in Paardeplaats outside Belfast this morning (January 28) after protesting residents were allegedly shot at, with rubber bullets, by an unidentified man during a protest over a prolonged water outage.
Residents protested in an area near a local mine after allegedly being left without running water for more than three months. According to community members, the protest escalated when a private security company arrived on the scene, accompanied by employees from the mine.
The area is located outside Belfast next to three opencast mining sections.
Witnesses allege that during the confrontation, a man wearing a Bidvest reflective vest grabbed a firearm loaded with rubber bullets from a security guard, and proceeded to fire multiple shots into the crowd of protesters.
Video footage circulating on social media appears to show the man holding a weapon while standing among residents during the chaos.
Protesters say they contacted the police following the incident. The SAPS advised the crowd to disperse.
No official statement has been issued by the police, the mine, or the security company. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or if the incident is under investigation.
An enquiry has been made to Col. Jabu Ndumane, who was unaware of the ongoing situation. She is currently communicating with local SAPS on the scene.
Residents say they will continue to demand access to basic services, warning that the lack of water has pushed the community to breaking point.
The Middelburg Observer will report further once the mine can be reached for comment.
