Irate Soshanguve residents have torched four vehicles – a truck, bus, and two cars – during violent protests in the area.
Police say the protests are a result of a court order which granted the eviction of informal homes that had allegedly been constructed unlawfully next to the railway.
The situation remains volatile and Akasia Police are warning the community to use alternative routes due to the unrest at Doreen Road, on the way to Soshanguve.
Soshanguve protests: Four vehicles torched.@SAPoliceService and @TMPDSafety are on the scene. Reasons for the protest are unclear, but it could be related to houses being demolished. See video. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/SEElcka2tj
— Narissa Subramoney (@NarissaS3) November 16, 2021
A bus belonging to a security company allegedly conducting the eviction has been burnt down. The fire spread to a Mercedes Benz that was parked next to it, injuring the man inside.
Tshwane Emergency Services said it had treated two people at the scene and transported them to the hospital.
One was treated for third-degree burns and another man was injured after being assaulted.
Law-enforcement agencies are on the scene and emergency services are working closely with them to attend to injuries related to the protest.
Soshanguve Protests: Residents began demonstrations this morning. A truck, bus and two cars have been torched since the morning. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/HcqdldCtGP
— Narissa Subramoney (@NarissaS3) November 16, 2021
SAPS Public Order Policing responded swiftly and are monitoring the area very closely.
Akasia Station Commander Colonel Magugu Ginindza has urged the public to refrain from acting against the law as they will be prosecuted should their actions amount to criminality.
He further called on the public to respect the orders given by the judiciary.
Soshanguve Protests: Four vehicles have been torched and two people were treated on the scene. One for third-degree burns and the other was treated for assault injuries. *This is a developing story. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/9bZKHnTTd1
— Narissa Subramoney (@NarissaS3) November 16, 2021
-The Citizen
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