Protesters set buildings alight
2004-07-05 15:00
Johannesburg - Two Johannesburg city council buildings were set alight in Diepsloot on Monday in protest against residents' removal to Brits near in the North West.
The community was removed from Alexandra in Johannesburg in 2000 to Diepsloot, north-west of the city, after the Jukskei River flooded.
Protesters told Sapa local councillor Sarafina Mulaudzi had recently informed them they would be moved to Brits on July 14, without providing any reasons.
One of the protesters, Linah Magane, said she worked in Randburg, Johannesburg and would not move to Brits as it would be too far for her to travel.
"I am not moving," she said. "How am I going to travel from Brits to Randburg? It's far."
Earlier in the day, police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
A large police presence attempted to restore order.
A city council spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
- SAPA