Urgent Newsflash! Police open fire on Sebokeng protestors, seriously injuring six people
Cape Town Anti War Coalition
14-Aug 9:20 am
Tuesday 14th August 2007
Six community members in Sebokeng have been shot by police this morning after the community blocked the main road and the highway between Sebokeng and Joburg. They were protesting about the lack of service delivery.
The police came in large numbers. They attacked the community, shooting randomly. Six people are seriously injured with gunshot wounds.
The Cape Town Anti-War Coalition was alarmed to receive frantic phone calls from this community. We condemn the action of the police and support the community wholeheartedly.
For comment please call Ben Ntulwane in Sebokeng on 082 3349564
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Sebokeng update: community marches on police station to demand release of arrested
Cape Town Anti War Coalition
14-Aug 11am
At this moment, the community has gone to the police station to demand the release of those arrested; the police once again opened fire with rubber bullets; 4 more people have been injured and several more arrested merely for asking the whereabouts of their fellow community members; the situation remains tense and the area resembles a war zone.
The Anti-War Coalition condemns in the strongest possible terms the actions of the police and the state.
Many people have been waiting since before 1994 for service delivery and even now have no access to adequate housing, water or services. The working class are told to be patient, to die in the cold, while billions are being poured into the 2010 world cup.
a luta continua! for further comment in the Sebokeng war zone call Ben Ntoloane ph 0823349564
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http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=539781
Bullets fly as Sebokeng burns
Sibongile Mkani
Five injured as police open fire on protesters.
Sebokeng went up in flames yesterday morning as police shot at and arrested residents of the Gauteng township during service-delivery protests.
Five people were injured when hit by rubber bullets, with one woman hit just above an eye and a teenage boy in the back of the head.
A total of 35 people were taken into custody during the protest, which saw streets blockaded and trains stopped.
Patric Sendane, an organiser of the protest and one of those arrested, said they were fed up with empty promises.
“We have been staying in shacks since 1995 and were promised houses but as of yet nothing has happened,” he said.
“There are more than 10000 people living in Boiketlong informal settlement. We share a total of 11 taps. These conditions are unacceptable.”
Children as young as 10 joined the march, with schools closing for the day.
Residents vowed they would continue with their protests despite the rubber bullets and arrests.
They burned pictures of President Thabo Mbeki, and vowed not to vote for him or the ANC.
The Sebokeng residents say they have tried the peaceful route by talking to councillor Nora Nqobana and Mayor Sam Shabalala.
Said Sendane: “We handed over a memorandum on July 26 asking for answers … Nothing was forthcoming.”
According to Superintendent Ntabiseng Mazibuko, those arrested would face charges of public violence and unlawful gathering.
She said the injured, including the teenager, were receiving medical treatment.