Trucks burnt, two dead in violent Diepkloof protest

TWO PEOPLE were killed and one seriously injured yesterday morning during a violent protest in Diepkloof, Soweto, after being struck by a truck amid chaos that included the looting of tinned fish in a protest over service delivery.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU AND SIYABONGA SITHOLE

According to reports, residents from the Diepkloof hostel looted items from trucks attempting to drive through the area. Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and stones, and set one truck on fire while looting another.

The protest was reportedly sparked by ongoing frustrations over a range of service delivery issues and that part of the hostel is privately owned.

Earlier, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla urged motorists to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange due to severe traffic disruptions caused by road closures.

Both the N12 eastbound and westbound, as well as the N1 northbound and southbound at the split with the N12, were temporarily closed.

Meanwhile, speaking with the media in the area, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the two deaths.