South Africa: Police clash with protesters in Johannesburg October 1 /update 1

Event

Police dispersed protesters in the Westbury neighborhood of Johannesburg with tear gas and rubber bullets on Monday, October 1. Hundreds of residents gathered in Westbury on Monday morning (local time), erecting roadblocks and burning tires on main commuter routes such as Portland Avenue and Perth, Fuel, and Seytler roads. The protests turned violent with police firing rubber bullets and deploying tear gas and demonstrators throwing rocks at security forces. Further protests and transportation delays are possible in the Westbury area in the coming days.

Context

On Thursday, September 27, a woman was killed in a shootout between alleged rival gangs in Westbury. Protests began on Friday, September 28, as residents demanded more policing and an end to gang violence.

Advice

Individuals in Johannesburg, particularly in the Westbury area, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate transportation delays, avoid all demonstrations and protests as a precaution, never cross a roadblock without permission, and to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.