Even though the police reported "no injuries" from the Diepkloof Hostel protest, residents have confirmed that three people were shot with rubber bullets at close range. One of the victims was a woman, who was shot in the face.

The woman, who refused to be named, said she wasn't a part of the protest and was walking out of the hostel when she saw police approaching carrying firearms. She said before she could move out of the way, she felt a sting and something sharp pierced her face, throwing her to the ground. "Caught in that confusion, I just saw blood oozing from my face. People around me screamed and asked "nimdubulelani? (Why are you shooting her)" while also running for cover. I didn't know how bad the cut was, but the pain was excruciating and I couldn't hold back my tears," she said. Despite SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo telling the media that there were no injuries, the woman told ZiMoja that she was rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital by the police and urgently attended to. "I'm sure if it wasn't the police who took me there, I'd still be in a long queue dealing with this pain. The two other guys who also got shot were admitted because the shootings were too close inflicting more damage. The police know why the community is angry but they shouldn't just shoot at whoever they come across because not all of us are violent," she said.

The hostel Induna Sibongiseni Khoza told ZiMoja that what the police did is a step towards creating hatred and more division. "Protesters had already retreated when the police ambushed us and started shooting. What's worse is that the people who got caught in the crossfire were not a part of it and were unsuspecting of any danger coming their way. The minute you target an innocent person and inflict pain on them, you're creating hatred and anger," he said.

Diepkloof Hostel residents were protesting over the horrendous living conditions and the daily fear of their dilapidated structures collapsing any moment. MEC for Human Settlements Lebogang Maile will be visiting the hostel this morning.