Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 08-05-2017
Police have had their hands full as residents of Eldorado Park and Freedom Park embarked on a violent protest blockading roads with rocks and burning tyres.
Police fired stun grenades and rubber bullets to control the crowds.
Its understood residents are angry about being evicted from Freedom Park last month and are demanding land to build houses.
Commuters from Lenasia and Eldorado Park described long traffic jams, with some having no option but to turn back and return home after they could not leave their areas.
At least 5 people have been arrested.
The JMPD Wayne Minnaar says police are monitoring the situation and will remain in the area.
“The situation in very tense at the moment and Golden Highway remains closed.”
At the same time a local resident says Eldorado Park residents stopped a Spar supermarket from being looted during the protest.
A second store, SuperSave, was also targeted.
Community leader Freddie Wilson told News24 protesters tried to loot the shops, but residents chased them away.
“The windows were smashed and police fired rubber bullets. The community is standing by and protecting our area, as we can see now this thing is getting out of hand. It is not about housing, it is about looting our properties.”
Meanwhile the Gauteng Human Settlements department says it has not budgeted for the development of housing in Eldorado Park in the current fiscal year as it is still completing necessary approvals.
Spokesperson Keith Khoza says approval is underway for a piece of vacant land near Eldorado Park.
“When we have a budget, it means we are ready to start implementing. If we are not ready and fail to spend the money, it means we will not be compliant.”
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