Update: No signs of a Dieplsoot shutdown
DIEPSLOOT – Seems like business as usual in Diepsloot with no reports of any disruptions after reports of a shutdown.
Update, 15 July, 12pm
After reports of a planned shutdown in the Diepsloot area for Monday, 15 July, it appears there is no shutdown, as it seems to be business as usual, with no reports of any type of protest action or disruptions. The police did monitor the area since the late evening of 14 July. Public transport is operating as normal and residents went to work without any disruptions.
Our sister publication The Citizen reported that the social media reports of the shutdown could not be confirmed by local police but they were ready for any disruptions at that time.
Initial report, 14 July, 6.35pm
According to a statement doing the rounds on social media, a shutdown has been declared for Diepsloot starting from tomorrow (15 July) until Tuesday (16 July). Only clinics will be allowed to operate.
On their list of demands, the community of Diepsloot is demanding that all informal settlements within the area must have access to electricity. They are appealing to the Department of Energy to release a budget for that. The community is also protesting for the removal of all undocumented citizens and illegal immigrants, with immediate effect. This is said to be because of the high rate of crime that is plaguing the community.
The residents of Diepsloot are also expected to peacefully march to the house of Gauteng Premier David Makhura to hand over their memorandum of demands.
The community members are expected to be up by 4am to begin their protest.
Police spokesperson Captain Makgowanyana Maja said the circulating message cannot be confirmed as either bogus or legitimate.
“We are, however, aware of it and ready to deal with it,” he said. This is according to www.recordcenturion.co.za
This is a developing story, and it will be updated as more information becomes available.
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