http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=nw20080512154233670C917910

May 12 2008 at 03:47PM

Police fired rubber bullets on Monday to break up an illegal service delivery protest by Orange Farm residents.

“Today (Monday) at about 4.30am residents from Orange Farm started to barricade the Golden Highway road,” said police spokesperson Nthabiseng Mazibuko.

The about 400 protestors dispersed about 10.20am after being addressed by ward councillors from the area.

“The situation right now is calm. Earlier they were barricading the road with huge stones, poles and burning tyres,” she said.

Police informed the residents that their gathering was unlawful and they needed to disperse.

“Residents refused and started to throw stones at the police. Police responded by using rubber bullets to disperse residents.”

Five people including a ten-year-old sustained minor injuries from the bullets.

Two women aged about 40 were arrested and would be charged with holding an unlawful gathering and failure to disperse when instructed, said Mazibuko.

Ward councillors addressed residents after which residents dispersed. – Sapa