VIDEO: Protests at Bremer Street informal settlement against eviction
“Informal settlers took to the streets, burning tyres and throwing rocks at passing vehicles.”
Chaos erupted at the Bremer Street informal settlement in the west of Pretoria today.
This was after the land invasion department from the metro police demolished illegal structures during an eviction at the site.
The eviction comes after a court order was issued last year.
Informal settlers took to the streets, burning tyres and throwing rocks at passing vehicles in protest against the action.
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The police and Tshwane metro police were on the scene.
Metro police spokesperson Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said by 12:30 the protest had been under control.
“No one was arrested and they dispersed peacefully without police having to use rubber bullets,” he said.
“We are coordinating with department of roads and transport to clean up the road after members of the community at Booysens settlement blocked certain streets with objects and burning tires.”
Mahamba said the riots happened after a service provider, accompanied by metro police, prevented community members from erecting illegal shacks on that area.
ALSO READ:Unwelcome settlers to be moved
“We, as the city, will fight the erection of illegal shacks or the illegal occupation of land,” he said.
“We will continue to monitor the area until we are certain that the situation is back to normal.”
DA ward councillor Elma Nel thanked the metro police for executing the eviction order, which follows “various complaints by residents over the past year”.
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