Eye-witness shares account of protest action
Another video of protesters taking to the streets in Claremont has emerged.
A Claremont woman was jolted awake in the early hours of Tuesday by the sound of gunshots and people marching down the street outside her home.
This was Jeanette Grobler’s first taste of the protests that swept through Tshwane on Tuesday against an ANC decision to nominate former cabinet minister Thoko Didiza as the party’s mayoral candidate for the metro.
She said residents from the Gomorra squatter camp took to Bremer Street and adjacent areas shortly after midnight.
“It is the most frightening sound when you are jolted awake by angry people shouting.”
She said chaos erupted as gunshots were fired, with dogs barking excitedly amid the sound of marching protesters.
“Just before 01:00, I phoned the Hercules police and they assured me all hands were on deck for them to keep watch. Tyres were set alight at street corners, roads were closed, street names were removed and stores were looted. It was mayhem.”
Around 06:30, a group of protesters marched down Deborah Street in Claremont as police escorted an angry mob down the street to ensure the safety of residents.
“It was chaotic throughout the day,” she said.
Grobler made a video of the marching protesters walking down the street. Watch the video here:
Also read:
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Major roads closed as Tshwane burns
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