Police move on Daveyton

Residents of Daveyton in Ekurhuleni have vowed to stop the opening of a new mall in the area if the council does not give them land in the township to build shacks.

The threat came yesterday as the angry residents battled with police on the streets, bringing the township to a standstill.

Roads leading in and out of Daveyton were blocked with burning tyres, rocks, old TV sets and even drainage pipes.

By mid-morning more officers were deployed in the township as residents threatened to burn down the Sinaba Stadium.

Ekurhuleni Metro police officers fired stun grenades to disperse the 400-strong crowd.

The protests follow an attempt by residents to invade land behind Extension Three in Daveyton.

"Our government does not want to give us the land but instead gives it to property developers while we suffer. We will not allow that mall to be opened," said Neziswa Mzembe, a Daveyton resident.