Watch: Violent confrontation erupts in Reiger Park over illegal electricity connections
Residents of Reiger Park recently held a number of demonstrations, blocking several streets in the township with burning tyres and rocks in protest against the constant power outages caused by cable and electricity theft in the area.
Residents of Reiger Park and Joe Slovo informal settlement have engaged in a war this morning over theft of electricity in the township.
According to Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson, Const Jan Mokwana, fed-up residents of Reiger Park decided to take matters into their own hands and removed the illegal connections on October 11.
“They disconnected all the power cables used by the residents of the informal settlement, located on St Anthony’s Road, to steal electricity from the township’s electricity infrastructure,” said Mokwana.
“They claim the illegal connections by the shack dwellers have been subjecting the whole community to constant power outages.”
Following video was shared on social media:
The community’s action, however, did not sit well with the people of the informal settlement who this morning (October 12) gathered and proceeded to the power lines to illegally reconnect electricity.
This resulted in a confrontation between the two parties and escalated into a serious fight.
Residents of Reiger Park and Joe Slovo informal settlement have clashed this morning (October 12) over theft of electricity in the township. @City_Ekurhuleni @ERCrime pic.twitter.com/DE5yD0To7N
— Boksburg Advertiser (@BoksburgNews) October 12, 2018
Police are monitoring the situation in Reiger Park where violence clashes broke out this morning over illegal connections @City_Ekurhuleni @ERCrime pic.twitter.com/7R0ABFKRYA
— Boksburg Advertiser (@BoksburgNews) October 12, 2018
“The community of Reiger Park prevented the informal settlement dwellers from connecting electricity illegally. This resulted in a fight, which saw both parties punching each other and pelting each other with stones and other objects,” said Mokwana.
Police responded and according to Mokwana, officers had to use rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the crowds.
“Officers managed to separate the two parties, but tensions remained high. No serious injuries were reported, and we are monitoring the situation.”
At the time of the confrontation, the Ekurhuleni SAPS Central Cluster was conducting a crime awareness campaign in Reiger Park.Campaign activities had to cease when the violence erupted.
Dignitaries and soldiers, including high ranking SANDF military officials who were part of the crime awareness event, had to be escorted out of the township by police.
Other attendees of the event included representatives of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, EMPD, SAPS and local NGOs.
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Reiger Park community protest against constant power outages
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