Protesters want MEC, Premier in Soweto
Service delivery protesters in Protea Glen south, Soweto, are demanding to speak only to provincial leaders, Gauteng police said on Thursday.
Service delivery protesters in Protea Glen south, Soweto, are demanding to speak only to provincial leaders, Gauteng police said on Thursday.
"They said no to [speaking to] a councillor; they want somebody higher than that," Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said.
The residents would prefer it if the MEC or premier came to listen to them. Police were searching for the ANC branch's office in the area to help.
Residents began protesting at 3am, demanding service delivery, Makhubela said. Nineteen people were arrested for public violence.
"As police were trying to remove objects off the road, they were throwing stones at them," Makhubela said.
Police retaliated with rubber bullets.
"The crowd initially dispersed but now they are coming back in larger numbers," Makhubela said.
Chris Hani Drive was closed at the N12 link due to burning tyres on the road, metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.
"Motorists are advised to access Soweto through Kliptown and Diepkloof, as the Protea Glen south area is not safe," he said.
Police, including officers in a helicopter, were monitoring the situation.
- Jacanews / Sapa