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By Faizel Patel

Senior Journalist


Fourteen arrested for public violence in Eersterust, Tshwane [VIDEO]

It is alleged the protestors also forced the shutdown of all schools in the area.


At least 14 people have been arrested for public violence in Eersterust in Tshwane during a volatiles protest on Monday.

It is understood residents of Eersterust, east of Pretoria embarked on the protest over service delivery issues.

Angry residents brought the community to a standstill blockading roads with burning tyres, rocks, and debris.

Watch residents of Eersterust protesting

Arrests

It is alleged the protestors also forced the shutdown of all schools in the area.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the City has suspended some of its service delivery operations in Region 6.

“Due to the demonstrations, the city has withdrawn its personnel and contracted entities as a precautionary safety measure. Fourteen have been arrested for public violence.

“Residents are informed that day-to-day municipal services, such as power failures, waste collection, pipe leakages and sewer blockages, will take time to be attended to due to the ongoing protest,” Mashigo said.

ALSO READ: Motorists urged to avoid Alexandra amid protest action

Interruption of services

“Some community members are pelting stones at those not part of the strike action. The city has deployed Tshwane Metro Police to quell the chaos. The City respects the people’s right to protest, but lawlessness, chaos, violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.

“Customers who want to make payments, account enquiries and payment arrangements can do so at the customer walk-in centres in Stanza Bopape and Silver Lakes,” Mashigo said.

Police are currently monitoring the protest.

WATCH: Scenes from the protest

Protests

Last week, Alexandra residents brought the township to a standstill barricading London Road with debris, rocks and burning tyres over service delivery issues.

The protest caused major traffic congestion.

Earlier, residents from Klipfontein View in Midrand barricaded Allandale Road with debris, rocks, and burning tyres over service delivery gripes.

The action caused significant traffic disruptions between Midrand and Tembisa/Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Protestors barricade K43 near Lenasia South over electricity outages

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