Diepsloot tense after riots

2004-07-06 11:59

Johannesburg - The situation in Diepsloot remained tense after violence in the area on Monday, the police and members of the SA Civic Association (Sanco) said on Tuesday.

"The situation is very bad for now. What I see is people running through the streets," said Nkosana Dube, the spokesperson for Sanco in Diepsloot.

He said leaders of the community would like to meet officials from the Gauteng government to discuss the matter as "the people are angry".

Pretoria police spokesperson Inspector Percy Morokane confirmed that the situation was tense.

The area is partly an informal settlement and partly proper housing.

Residents went on a rampage on Monday protesting against their relocation to Brits, north of Pretoria, burning two government buildings.

The community were moved to Diepsloot in 2000 from Alexandra after the Jukskei River flooded, endangering lives and possessions.

Seven people were arrested on Monday in connection with the incident. They would face charges of arson and public violence when appear in a Pretoria court on Tuesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, the crowd was addressed by a councillor about a possible meeting between leaders of the community and officials from the Johannesburg city council.

Dube said a large number of people turned out for the meeting, but they were still angry.

The Gauteng housing department said it would issue a statement later on Tuesday.

Residents told journalists they did not know why the city council wanted to move them to Brits, as their children attend school, and they work, in Randburg.

- SAPA