Kaalfontein community protests after no power for three weeks
KAALFONTEIN – Protest action has since calmed down as residents meet to discuss a way forward.
Update, 10 July 2pm:
Protesters in Kaalfontein are in a meeting to discuss a way forward after they were reportedly turned away at Eskom’s branch in Chloorkop after they went there to seek assistance with a power outage in their area.
The situation has calmed down in the area as police continue to monitor the situation. The residents said that they are still waiting for a councillor to address them regarding the electricity problem. The members are threatening to continue with the protest as they say no-one is listening to their concerns.
The Midrand Reporter is awaiting further information from authorities and more details will be provided.
Initial report, 10 July, 10am:
Community members in Kaalfontein have started protesting, claiming that Eskom is not taking their issue seriously as they have had no electricity for more than three weeks. Protesters have blocked Archerfish Drive in Kaalfontein with rocks and concrete pipes.
Protesting residents spoke to journalist Ofentse Ditlopo. One resident from Kaalfontein Ext 5, Puseletso Matsani said they have been on strike since midday yesterday, 9 July.
“We are protesting for electricity. We have been without electricity for more than three weeks,” Matsani said.
Another resident Rosina Selomo said, “We have been without electricity since 14 June. We have been reporting to Eskom but they told us our area is a red zone. They say the transformer we reported belongs to Ivory Park.”
Police are on the scene and have reportedly shot rubber bullets at protesters.
This is an ongoing story, more updates will follow as they become available.
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