Truck rig torched in Langa protest

[caption id="attachment_100027" align="alignright" width="367"] UP IN FLAMES: An earthworks excavator burns after having been set alight, along with a large abnormal-load flatbed truck, in Langa in Uitenhage yesterday. Picture: MARK WEST[/caption]

RESIDENTS of Langa rampaged through the streets of the Uitenhage suburb late yesterday, blockading roads and setting fire to a heavy-duty truck and trailer and an earthworks excavator collectively worth millions of rands.

Despite a tense atmosphere, the streets were relatively quiet by 8pm last night.

Scores of police vehicles, a number of Nyala riot vehicles and a large contingent of public order police members maintained a heavy presence in the suburb and particularly in the area where the truck rig and excavator were still partially on fire until a fire engine arrived at about 8.30pm.

There was extensive damage and burnt rubble in the vicinity of the truck.

Other streets had been blockaded with chunks of concrete, bricks and rocks. There was evidence of tyres having been burnt.

Uitenhage police spokesman Warrant Officer Basil Seekoei said last night the reason for the protest was not yet known.

Meanwhile, police in Alexandria yesterday arrested 59 people following early protest action on the R72 in the town.

Captain Mali Govender said the protest was allegedly sparked by news that a plumbing tender had been awarded to a company not based in the community. -Shaun Gillham