By Palesa Matlala
- Diepkloof residents blocked roads with burning tyres after hearing that part of their hostel land was sold to a private developer.
- A woman and a man were killed after being hit by vehicles during the protest near the hostel.
Two people have died and two more are badly hurt after a protest near the Diepkloof hostel turned deadly.
Early on Monday morning, angry residents blocked the N1 and N12 roads using burning tyres and rocks. They were protesting after hearing that a private company had bought part of the hostel land from the government.
During the protest, a woman was hit by a car on the N12. It’s not clear if she was part of the protest or on her way to work. A man was killed when a truck hit him near the hostel.
Two other people were also hit by cars. They were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A truck carrying tins of pilchards was looted and set on fire.
Residents say they were never told the land had been sold.
“The renovations were stopped after they said someone bought the land from the government,” said Bab’Khoza. “But we never received anything in writing.”
The land includes hostel blocks A to H. That’s where tensions boiled over between residents and police.
One resident said, “We will never stop fighting for our hostel.”
Renovations were part of a government housing project, but have been on hold since the land sale.
Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the roads have reopened, but delays are expected on the N12 West because of the burnt truck.
“Law enforcement officials remain on the scene to manage the situation and investigate,” he said.
He also warned drivers to be careful and take other routes if they can.
Pictured above: Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and looted a truck during the chaos.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
