A protest in Diepkloof, Soweto, turned deadly on Monday morning when a truck, reportedly fleeing looters, ploughed through a group of demonstrators, leaving two people dead and several others injured.
The tragic incident happened at the height of a housing protest by residents from the Diepkloof hostel.
Protesters had blocked the busy Diepkloof interchange using burning tyres, rocks, and debris, bringing morning traffic to a standstill.
Amid the chaos, a truck was looted by some protesters.
According to police, the driver, fearing for his safety, sped through the crowd in an attempt to escape.
In the process, the truck struck multiple people, including a recycler who later succumbed to his injuries.
The out-of-control vehicle eventually smashed into an electric pole, causing a power outage in parts of Diepkloof.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed that the driver is cooperating with authorities.
“We are going to obtain a statement from him. Because he’s the one that hit people. So, it’s good that we are having him and he’s cooperating to tell us what transpired,” Masondo said.
Read | Two killed as truck ploughs into Middelburg protesters
Despite the deaths and widespread damage, no arrests have been made yet.
The protest has since been suspended as community leaders call for calm while investigations continue.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of criminal charges, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of truck drivers and their vehicles during protests.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
Do you have more on this story? Click to WhatsApp us. Anonymity guaranteed.
