Two killed, 21 injured in Ivory Park clashes
Two people have been killed and 21 others injured in clashes between Ivory Park residents and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police (EMPD) and Red Ants.
The police’s Bernard Matimule says violence broke out after EMPD and the Red Ants arrived to demolish illegally-erected shacks on Tuesday.
“When EMPD officers and the Red Ants arrived to demolish the shacks, the community reacted and a confrontation ensued. One of the community members fell during the scuffle and he was allegedly shot with a rubber bullet at close range. Other allegations suggest he was also beaten with a crowbar on the head and only taken to hospital after 15 minutes where he died. Another community member died inside the formalised location after he was beaten with a crowbar,” says Matimule.
He says the 21 injured people have been taken to hospital.
Matimule says there are concerns over the way EMPD officers dealt with the situation.
“The area belongs to the City of Joburg and we were shocked to see EMPD in the area. During the scuffles when the people were injured, EMPD? officers did not protect the people and were participating in the violence alongside the Red Ants. The also did not stop the Red Ants from robbing the streets vendors and getting into houses taking people’s belongings. The inspector in charge has to tell us who authorized the demolitions.”
He says the matter is under investigation.