Breidbach burns as protesters run riot

Rubber bullets ended up lodged in the faces of two Breidbach protesters while the N2 linking Bhisho and East London was closed as violent protest raged throughout yesterday.

The housing protest turned into a community uprising with petrol bombs, half-bricks and stones the size of grapefruit being hurled, and rubber bullets and stun grenades fired throughout the day.

Palls of smoke rose from stacks of tyres burning in streets, main access roads – and along the N2.

Senior provincial cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) manager (rapid response) Sibongile Oxly Ngqele, who arrived from Bhisho to receive a petition protesting against failed housing delivery, was rejected by the crowd, who demanded premier Phumulo Masualle and Cogta MEC Fikile Xasa come instead.

Suddenly police opened fire, and missiles including petrol bombs, were hurled in the air in retaliation. Ngqele had to sprint 400m away from the conflict towards King William’s Town and take refuge in the bush.

There were bumper-to-bumper traffic snarl-ups as alternative routes were quickly arranged, to prevent the public from being caught in crossfire.