S. African Police Fire on Protesters, Arrest 12 at Rally
- Share via
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of demonstrators on Monday, band also arrested a leader of the militant Pan-Africanist Congress.
The Pan-Africanists, a black nationalist group, said they believe several people were hurt in the incident at a stadium in Ennerdale, a mixed-race area near Johannesburg. But police said they were not aware of any injuries.
About 500 to 1,000 people had gathered at the stadium to protest rents, electricity prices and other grievances. Local authorities recently shut off electricity in the area because residents were not paying their bills.
When the demonstrators ignored a police order to disperse, officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets, police and witnesses said.
Benny Alexander, secretary general of the Pan-Africanists, was among 12 people arrested, police said.
“Mr. Alexander’s arrest took place while he was negotiating with police officers who prohibited protesters from entering the stadium,” the Pan-Africanists said in a statement.
* PICTURE: A1
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
