Tensions boil over in Diepkloof: Protest claims a life
Eyewitnesses recount a harrowing scene as the vehicle struck protestors, also damaging power infrastructure.
A protest at Diepkloof Hostel turned deadly on May 19 after two people were killed in separate and one sustained a severe injury during the demonstrations in the early hours of May 19.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo told the media that a protester was knocked down by a vehicle on the freeway. He was taken to the hospital and certified dead upon arrival.
The second incident occurred when a truck drove into the hostel area to escape the roadblock at Diepkloof Interchange.
The truck driver hit two people, a woman and a man, while trying to escape at the hostel where he was attacked again. Unfortunately, the man died, and the woman sustained serious injuries.
According to the chairperson of the hostel, Sibongiseni Khoza, the community was protesting over issues related to the Johannesburg Properties Company (JPC) and the alleged sale of land where the hostel is situated.
Tensions were already high due to a recent demolition of one of the hostel’s blocks, which led to the relocation of its residents.
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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 on the scene, while a woman was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The truck also hit an electric pole, causing a power outage in the area.
In a separate incident related to the protest, another person died on the highway.
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The Diepkloof Hostel community has since refused to engage with the media, declining to comment further on the situation.
The JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla promised to provide more information once it becomes available.
