Tyres burnt in delivery protest

2008-09-08 11:07

Johannesburg - Orange Farm residents burnt tyres on Monday morning in a protest over poor service delivery, said Johannesburg metro police.

The large amount of smoke generated by the burning tyres led to people reporting that shacks had been burnt, said Inspector Edna Mamonyane.

"We can confirm that no shacks were burnt during the protest," she said.

Reports of shooting could not be confirmed, neither could reports of people being injured when police opened fire with rubber bullets.

Mamonyane said metro police received a call at 02:00 about protesters intending to blockade the Golden Highway.

"Metro police managed to bring the situation under control and make sure that the highway was not blockaded or that anyone was injured," she said.

Describing the situation as "very tense" Mamonyane said metro police would remain on the scene to ensure the safety of motorists and road users.

Sebokeng police spokesman Constable Edwin Ntsheo said community members were meeting with local councillors, community leaders and the provincial government on Monday to discuss a way forward.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that shacks had been burnt.

- SAPA