• Protesters stoned a Shoprite mobile soup kitchen truck in Philippi during an electricity protest, injuring three workers.

• The truck was on its way to help fire victims in Khayelitsha when it was attacked by angry residents.

Three Shoprite workers were hurt when protesters stoned their mobile soup kitchen truck in Philippi, Cape Town.

The attack happened on Monday on Lansdowne Road during a protest by Ramaphosa informal settlement residents who want electricity.

Shoprite said the workers suffered minor injuries and were treated at a clinic. The company also offered them counselling.

A resident who wanted to stay unnamed felt bad about what happened.

“I felt sorry for Shoprite employees because they had nothing to do with what we were protesting for. It is a pity that other residents stoned the truck, injuring them. We aimed to have a peaceful protest, but once it started, we couldn’t control the crowd,” said the resident.

Another resident later found out the truck was heading to help fire victims.

“I felt bad after hearing that the attacked employees were delivering soup and bread to fire victims at the Taiwan section in Khayelitsha. The truck never arrived; instead, it was taken to Nyanga SAPS. We need to think before we do things because tomorrow it might be us asking for assistance from Shoprite,” said the resident.

Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed what happened.

“Protesters burned tyres and became violent. A case of public violence was opened at Nyanga SAPS; the protesters were dispersed by the Nyanga SAPS and POPS members on the scene,” said Van Wyk.

Shoprite asks anyone with information about crimes against its business to call 0800 118 879.

Pictured above: Shoprite employees sustained minor injuries and were treated at a medical facility after they were attacked by protesters.

Image source: Buziwe Nocuze