Johannesburg - Ten people were injured in a confrontation between residents and sheriffs at flats in Joubert Park, Johannesburg following evictions on Monday, the Gauteng human settlement department said.
Violence erupted as some of the residents at the Castle Blaney building resisted eviction, said spokesman Motsamai Motlhaolwa.
He said the injured were residents who got caught up in a stampede when shots were fired from the flat towards the crowd that included sheriffs.
“The 10 suffered various injuries and they were taken to hospital.”
Motlhaolwa said police were deployed to restore peace in the area.
MEC Jacob Mamabolo condemned the use of violence as a strategy to stop evictions.
“It is clear that criminal gangs are provoking contractors, employed by the sheriff to execute the evictions, to cause violence and mayhem.”
The department was working with law enforcement agencies to take action against those who responsible for the violence.
Motlhaolwa said the department had advised residents to leave the building before the eviction date.
“The department circulated early warning pamphlets to alert everyone on time and to advise residents to co-operate with the removal companies.”
No one was arrested. - Sapa