In a tumultuous turn of events, the Diepsloot community was engulfed in chaotic protests as frustrated residents took to the streets to voice their grievances.
WATCH: Diepsloot protests intensify on Thursday, 29 June 2023
As tensions flared, law enforcement authorities resorted to using rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators who had barricaded roads, leading to the arrest of three individuals, including two community leaders believed to be spearheading the protests.
The core concerns behind the unrest stemmed from the persistently high crime rates and the perceived lack of police visibility in the area.
In the wake of the recent killing of local community leader and crime fighter John Makola, residents are demanding urgent action to address these pressing issues.
Their call for President Cyril Ramaphosa‘s presence in the community underscores the gravity of their plea.
In response to the mounting tensions, additional police personnel have been deployed to the township, aiming to restore calm and safeguard the well-being of both residents and local businesses.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo emphasiSed the necessity of protecting innocent bystanders from harm and ensuring the preservation of public order.
“We have to mobilise more police officers because it was now getting out of hand, it is not intimidation, but as the police, we have an obligation to protect other people who are not part of this protest, and we are expecting more police officers on the ground,” he said.
So far, three individuals have been apprehended and face charges related to public violence.
“We have to protect people who are running businesses here and their property as well. So far, we have arrested three people, and we have since charged them with public violence,” Masondo added.
Here are some of the videos from Thursday’s chaotic unrest in Diepsloot.
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