Angry protesters barricade road

TENSION boiled over in Meyerton, south of Joburg, yesterday as residents of Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement embarked on their third consecutive day of protests.

They are demanding better service delivery, including housing, electricity and water provision.

Residents began gathering on the R59 near Meyerton from 4.40am yesterday, erecting barricades and warding off motorists.

“We can confirm that the R59 is still closed between the Le Roux and Meyer Street offramps.

“It started around 4.30am, when they threw stones at motorists. We had to use stun grenades to disperse the crowd,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring reported three minor injuries sustained after two vehicles collided when protesters hurled rocks.

“Paramedics found that a woman and her two young daughters had sustained several small cuts on their arms and faces.

“All three patients were treated but later declined transportation to hospital.”

Public-order police were dispatched to the scene and were forced to fire rubber bullets and stun grenades in an attempt to disperse angry protesters.

Motorists were advised to avoid the R59 as a stand-off between police and protesters erupted.

Meyerton mayor Bongani Baloyi said he was working hand-in-hand with the government to end the protests and provide better services to the residents.

He had agreed to meet with the protesters to discuss the future of the informal settlement.

These disturbances come 12 months after Sicelo Shiceka residents took to the streets for the same cause, highlighting the slow response from the local municipality.

They threw stones at motorists and we had to use stun grenades