A Uniondale farmer allegedly shot at and wounded three protestors who blockaded him and his family on Monday.
“Emanating from the protest action, the farmer, his wife and child were on their way into town when they were blockaded by protesters,” Police spokesperson Malcolm Potjie said to IOL. “The farmer discharged his shotgun on protesters. According to police reports, three people were hit but at this stage we do not have confirmation.”
A charge of attempted murder, as well as one of the discharging of a firearm in a municipal area, are currently under investigation. During the protest, six people were arrested for public violence and public disorder. Police from the nearby town of George remained on scene to keep an eye on the situation.
The protest erupted over the downgrading of the local fire station and other issues affecting the community, and quickly got out of hand. A truck was looted and torched during the protest as well.
The N9 and the R399 were also closed and drivers were rerouted via the R62.
“On Sunday, a man was burnt to death when a fire destroyed at least seven structures in an informal settlement. This is the third fatality in that camp. About two years ago, a father and his young daughter also burnt to death in another fire. We were protesting about this and other grievances when the farmer shot at our people. We know this farmer as a short-tempered man,” ANC ward councillor Jacques Esau said to IOL.
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