Cops injured in Sasolburg protest
2013-01-21 10:29
Video
2013-01-21 08:19
Watch residents of Zamdela township in Sasolburg barricade roads and burn tyres in protest against municipal demarcation plans. WATCH
Sasolburg - Two police officers were injured on Monday
during a protest by Zamdela township residents in Sasolburg, Free State police
said.
"It is critical now in Zamdela. We have police
officials injured and they are being attacked by the mob," said Constable
Peter Kareli.
Residents, who were protesting against municipal demarcation
plans, were throwing stones and had barricaded the road.
A police Nyala (armoured) vehicle had become stuck in mud
and protesters had attacked the officers inside.
"Water cannons have been used and some rubber bullets.
The helicopter is also firing rubber bullets," said Kareli. "The
situation is volatile."
Municipal demarcation
The protests started on Sunday when residents came out of a
meeting about municipal demarcation.
They were apparently unhappy about plans to merge Sasolburg
into the Ngwathe local municipality, under which Parys falls.
Nearly 90 people were arrested and charged with public
violence on Sunday when they ran amok and looted shops in the township.
"More people were arrested at around 03:00 this morning
[Monday] as they continued to loot shops," Kareli said.
The total number of those arrested since Sunday had not yet
been officially tallied, but it was estimated that almost 150 people had been
taken into custody.
Those arrested on Sunday were expected to appear in the
Sasolburg Magistrates' Court on Monday on charges of public violence.
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