A protest in Diepsloot on Sunday ended in the stoning of passing traffic, the destruction of two police cars and five arrests, Gauteng police said.
”At about 10am, the community of Diepsloot Extension One was addressed by their councillor,” said Captain Bonginkosi Msimango.
The meeting concerned the removal of some of the shacks in the area.
”After the meeting the community started to riot. They stoned two SAPS [SA Police Service] cars, burning one,” said Msimango.
Protesters also began stoning passing cars on the R511, forcing Johannesburg Metro police to close the road at 4.30pm.
Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said that several passing cars had been damaged, but the situation has since calmed.
Minnaar, however, recommended that motorists continue to avoid the R511 and use the N14 to Roodepoort as an alternative route.
”Motorists must avoid it [R511] as a precaution,” said Minnaar.
Five people were arrested for public violence. Msimango said more arrests are expected. No injuries have been reported. – Sapa