South Africa: Police fire rubber bullets on protesters

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Police in Johannesburg fired rubber bullets and tear gas on Monday to disperse hundreds of protesters in the city's Westbury suburb.

Residents blocked roads and burned tires protesting increased crime after a woman was shot dead by a stray bullet on Thursday, allegedly by drug dealers.

"We are tired of gangsterism in our area," protest organizer Carol Sallie told reporters at the scene.

She said another resident was shot with a stray bullet on Sunday night as drug dealers fought over control of the area.

"We shall continue protesting until the police minister comes to address us," she said.

Other residents claimed the police are protecting drug dealers, a claim the police have denied.

Police spokesman Kay Makhubela told reporters they fired rubber bullets to stop protesters from destroying vehicles on the road.

"Residents should report those they feel are corrupt and not take the law into their own hands," he urged.

According to recent police crime statistics, every day some 57 people are killed in South Africa.

Incidents of drug dealers fighting over control of some areas are common in parts of the country.