The N3 freeway on both directions (north and south) came to a standstill between Pelser bridge and Barry Marais on/off ramps in Vosloorus on Tuesday, October 8 following a protest action.
An angry mob set mobile plastic toilets alight, which were also thrown on the freeway.
According to Kobeli Mokheseng, EMPD spokesperson, the ordeal occurred just after EMM’s Energy Department and EMPD Anti Cable Theft Unit disconnected illegally joined electricity, at Wolf and Somalia informal settlements.
“Since the operation, EMPD officers were monitoring the affected areas,” said Mokheseng,.
He said the day before the weekend, patrolling EMPD Public Order Policing Unit Members, cornered and arrested five male and female suspects, found in possession of a 3m electrical cable, in an attempt to connect it illegally to a transformer.
“The arrest took place at the corner of Pelser and R103/Old Heidelberg roads, next to a Zama-Zama shop by Somalia/Wolf informal settlements.
“The suspects couldn’t elaborate further to officers, when they were requested to produce relevant documents (works order) permitting them to be on site or, to furnish their companies name contracted to the City of Ekurhuleni.”
The suspects will appear at the Vosloorus Magistrate’s Court soon.
