Police and residents clashed in Johannesburg CBD following a drug raid. Screenshots via Twitter.
WATCH: Violent clash in Johannesburg CBD following drug raid
Chaos erupted in Johannesburg CBD after a person died during a drug raid. Residents then blocked roads and burnt tyres retaliating.
Police and residents clashed in Johannesburg CBD following a drug raid. Screenshots via Twitter.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has called for calm following violent protests in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) after a man died during a search and seizure operation on Monday, 16 January.
The chaos erupted after accusations that police assaulted and killed one of the residents in a block of flats during their raid.
WATCH: CLASH IN JOHANNESBURG CBD
Police reportedly received a tipoff that there were drugs at Panorama Court in room 121 and room 222.
According to the police report, they knocked at the door on arrival at room 121, and the person inside the room refused to open the door. The police forced the door open and found the suspect inside.
After searching the flat, they found an undisclosed amount of cash, dagga, and a white substance believed to be drugs. The suspect then took the officers to room 222 in Panorama Court. On the way to the second floor, the suspect became weak and collapsed on the stairs. He was certified dead on the scene.
The report further said a pathologist was called to the scene, and on his arrival, he inspected the body and did not see physical injuries. The cause of death will be determined during the post-mortem to be conducted on Wednesday, 18 January 2023.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi called for calm among residents in the area.
“We are calling for calm and are pleading with the residents to allow the investigation on the suspect’s passing to occur without any interference. Violence and vandalism will not solve the problem. The Office of the Premier will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Lesufi said.
Police were able to disperse the angry protestors.
The Johannesburg CBD is a no-go area for many now as it is famous for drug dens, violent crime and other notorious things.
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