Diepkloof residents threaten to resume demonstration if CoJ doesn't meet demands
Monday's protest over housing claimed two lives as trucks were looted, and police raided hostels into the night.
Paramedics have arrived in Soweto on Monday, 19 May 2025, where bodies were discovered amid a service delivery protest on Monday, 19 May 2025. Picture: Mongezi Koko/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Some residents of Diepkloof said they're ready to return to the streets, warning that if the government remains silent, so will their patience.
Monday's protest over housing claimed two lives as trucks were looted, and police raided hostels into the night.
Police said the driver of one of the looted trucks carrying tinned fish ploughed through a crowd in an attempt to escape the looting, injuring several people.
ALSO READ: Police raid Diepkloof hostel in Soweto in search of looted goods
HAPPENING NOW: Two people have died following a violent housing protest in Soweto this morning. Angry Diepkloof residents blocked roads, looted trucks, and clashed with police over what they say is the city’s failure to build on vacant land. @MongeziKoko #DiepkloofProtest pic.twitter.com/3ZLaPjvEYF
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 19, 2025
Diepkloof residents said they've heard the city's explanations about private land deals and R8 million price tags, but if nothing changes soon, they'll be back on the streets.
They say they're not just fighting for houses but now, for the memory of those who died.
ALSO READ: Diepkloof protest: Driver of looted truck cooperates with police
Some describe the scenes from Monday as a tragedy and a tipping point.
Community leader Sanele Msibi said, "But for now we have suspended our protest action, but if government doesn't do what they must do, we will carry on. We don't have a choice, we will carry on," said Msibi.