‘We were shot in the face with rubber bullets’
Protesting residents from Eersterust
have told how they were shot by rubber bullets during a community protest on
Wednesday.
Warning: The pictures and video content may be upsetting to some.
Eersterust was plunged into turmoil after members of the community took to the streets to protest against poor service delivery.
Community member Moria Pretorius said the community is sick and tired of the almost daily electricity and water cuts.
The police are shooting innocent bystanders @ewnupdates @EWNTraffic @Abramjee @eNCA @jacarandafm #ProtestAction #Eersterust pic.twitter.com/yWKpFLUhw1
— Jaydene Leyds (@Jayleyds) June 13, 2018
Residents in Eersterust barricaded roads with burning tyres, blocking all entrances and exits routes in the area.
According to police, community members also stoned the local police station.
“I can confirm rubber bullets were shot and we are aware of the two women who were shot in the face,” said Tshwane Metro Police spokesperson Issac Mahamba.
The exchange left two women injured after they were shot in the face. One of the women is alleged to only have been a bystander.
Gallery
The community have vowed to continue protesting until Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga takes heed of the community’s demands.
Tshwane Metro Police’s Isaac Mahamba says officers will continue to monitor the area.
Bus operations in Eersterus have also been suspended due to the protests.
Nobody has been arrested.