Rubber bullets and rocks fly at #Ennerdale protest

Tuesday’s protest in Ennerdale was remniscent of Monday’s violent protest over the same issues which played out on the streets of nearby Eldorado Park. Picture: Ilanit Chernick

Tuesday’s protest in Ennerdale was remniscent of Monday’s violent protest over the same issues which played out on the streets of nearby Eldorado Park. Picture: Ilanit Chernick

Published May 9, 2017

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Johannesburg – Residents took to the streets following Monday's protest at Eldorado Park.

Residents of Ennerdale say they are tired of empty promises made by the government.

Tensions rose as the residents were pleading with police, raising their hands screaming "don't shoot" but quickly after that rubber bullets were fired and residents scattered for shelter as others threw rocks at the police.

"We are inspired by what we saw yesterday at Eldorado Park. Once we start taking action it is when the government take us seriously," those were the words of Valerie Moses, a leader from the Ennerdale Stake holders Association.

Moses told The Star that nothing has been done in Ennerdale and that they were promised houses.

The community wants to meet with the mayor of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba and threatened to "look at other avenues" if he fails to show up.

Residents were seen running away as police attempted to control the situation.

A group of around 100 residents barricaded James street and Provincial road with burning tyres around 9am.

While a police helicopter hovered over the area, officers also started to remove the burning tyres from the blocked road.

Despite Mashaba’s commitment to the meeting on Wednesday, Moses said the community decided to protest this morning because they have been ignored for too long.

“If the mayor doesn't show up tomorrow we will intensify our protest,” she said.

#Ennerdale

The anarchy continues........ pic.twitter.com/PRWIoBi9gQ

— Your Excellency (@Benji_Seitlhamo) May 9, 2017

10:55 in the Am. #Ennerdale

Literally my back yard. pic.twitter.com/TnW7QdV775

— Keenan (@keenan_023) May 9, 2017

Bermedie #Ennerdale #eldoradopark pic.twitter.com/qxkNkxSy8M

— trash (@SimplyYendl) May 9, 2017

A reporter and photographer from The Star sustained injuries when they were caught in the crossfire and were hit by rocks.

Some community members also looted a Shoprite, a Spar and a BP petrol station in the area.

Twelve people have since been arrested for the crime.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula has since said that while he acknowledged the right of protesters to communicate their grievances through protests, he condemned the violent protests.

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