A protest at Diepkloof Hostel turned deadly yesterday when two people were killed and one sustained serious injuries.

Soweto Urban reports that, according to hostel chairperson Sibongiseni Khoza, the community was protesting over issues related to the Johannesburg Property Company and the alleged sale of land where the hostel is situated.

Tensions were already high due to the recent demolition of one of the hostel’s blocks, which led to the relocation of its residents.

Eyewitness Sanele Msibi described the harrowing moment when the truck hit two individuals.

“I ran as soon as I saw the truck. I thought the deceased was running with me, but to my surprise, he was not. As I looked back, I saw him lying down, hit by the truck.”

The truck, which was delivering tin fish, crashed into the hostel due to traffic congestion caused by the protest.

One man died at the scene, while a woman was rushed to hospital in critical condition. The truck also struck an electric pole, causing a power outage in the area.

In a separate incident related to the protest, another person died on the highway. The circumstances surrounding this death remain unclear.

The Diepkloof Hostel community has since refused to engage with the media, declining to comment further on the situation.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla has promised to provide more information once it becomes available.

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