Housing protest turns violent
2004-10-05 08:52
Durban - Police have agreed not to press charges against members of the Siyananda informal settlement in Newlands East outside Durban after an early morning protest turned violent on Monday.
Captain Gugu Sabela said at least 200 residents blockaded roads leading into Newlands at 03:00 on Monday "after a meeting with the area councillor turned sour".
The residents demanded to know what happened to R4m that had been allocated for low-cost housing in the area. Homes, running water and roads were promised, but nothing materialised, they said.
Sabela said police were stoned when they asked the crowd to disperse.
A police officer's arm was slightly hurt. A protester was hurt when police opened the back of their van and the door caught her above her eye.
Five people were arrested in connection with the protest but were released after negotiations with the police.
- SAPA