MMC offers condolences amid hostel probe

WITH the investigation into the alleged private ownership of parts of the overcrowded Diepkloof Hostel in Soweto reported to be firmly under way, Joburg MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, visited the families of the people who died during a protest over this matter on Monday.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

It was reported that one of the trucks loaded with canned fish accelerated and struck one of the residents on Monday, killing him instantly. In another incident, a truck driver trying to avoid the protest drove into the hostel area, where demonstrators began throwing stones at him. While attempting to escape, he hit two people.

This happened as residents blockaded the N1 Highway and Chris Hani Road with burning tyres and rocks, causing massive morning peak-hour traffic.

As the protest over the lack of housing and poor sanitation issues escalated, the trucks were looted, resulting in a search for the stolen goods later in the day.