R2m damage caused as protesters torch truck

Damage of R2-million was caused when protesting Wells Estate residents torched a truck loaded with steel late on Wednesday night, but police quickly dispersed a handful more residents who continued their protest on the Addo Road yesterday.

The Wells Estate protest started on Monday when hundreds of residents who had illegally occupied a piece of land lost their shacks when a bulldozer drove over them.

The municipality gave the instruction after obtaining a court order.

Milltrans owner Frans Stapelberg said his truck had been headed for Queenstown at about 8pm when his driver phoned to say it was on fire.

“The protesters threw a petrol bomb at the truck,” he said.

“I am just happy the driver escaped with minor injuries, although he lost his belongings in that fire.”

Stapelberg, who did not want to reveal his employee’s name without his permission, said the driver had been yanked out of the truck by protesters.

He said the damage was more than R2-million and the driver was off yesterday as he had to apply for a new driver’s licence and ID.

The driver also lost his phone when hauled out of the truck and could not be contacted.

Police spokesman Constable Mncedi Mbombo said the situation was calm yesterday after the protest erupted early in the morning.

“On Wednesday a case of arson was opened and the police also arrested four people for public violence that evening,” he said.

Impact Loss Control owner Trevor Wilson said he had been contacted by Stapelberg and had rushed to out to the Addo Road.

“When I got to the scene the driver was yanked out of the truck,” he said.

“We assessed him and called the medics for him, but he did not want any further medical attention.”

Ward 60 councillor Mvuzo Mbelekane said residents were unhappy about relocation in Wells Estate.

“They complained that only 10% of backyard dwellers in Wells Estate were relocated to the newly built houses whereas the rest were from outside Wells Estate,” he said.

“They raised the issue of vacant houses that have been illegally occupied.”

He said the issue would be investigated further.