Gauteng shutdown protests spread to Eldorado Park

The protest action that broke out in Ennerdale on Friday morning has reportedly spread to Eldorado Park where protesters have attempted to block the N12 freeway in the south of Johannesburg with burning tyres.

However, Gauteng police spokesperson, captain Kay Makhubela said the burning tyres on the N12 have been cleared and traffic is flowing, adding that the roads in Ennerdale are still blocked.

The SABC reported that no protesters were seen on the freeway, suggesting they may have retreated back into Eldorado Park.

The police are at the scene as well as traffic officials and municipal workers attempting to remove the burning tyres on the N12. One lane is currently in use but motorists are advised to be cautious.

It is reported that the residents of Eldorado Park have the same concerns as the community of Westbury who went on violent and destructive protests complaining about the prevalence of drugs and gang-related crimes in their area.

The protests in Westbury led to an intervention by Police Minister Bheki Cele, which include the deployment of a tactical response team (TRT) in the area.

Protests broke out in Ennerdale on Friday morning “in solidarity with the Westbury” community, said Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) senior superintendent Wayne Minnaar.

The Citizen reported that community members say their shutdown of all so-called coloured neighbourhoods in Gauteng will go ahead as planned.

Residents said their planned protest action will not be deterred by Cele’s promises and “marching band” [seen at the parade at Westbury during the introduction of the TRT deployed in the area].

They are planning to roll out protest action in all coloured neighbourhoods in the province today.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said in a statement on Friday that though Cele’s intervention  at Westbury is welcome, “residents living in some of Cape Town’s gang and crime infested areas were left wondering why similar protection has not been given to them, despite repeated calls for such an intervention”.

The party’s Western Cape leader Bonginkosi Madikizela said: “It remains to be seen if after visiting the community of Bonteheuwel to hear from residents on crime concerns, Minister Cele will be quick to recommend the deployment of a Tactical Response Team to the area, much as he did in Westbury.

“The lives of South Africans, regardless of geography or political affiliation should not be politicised. All South Africans must be kept safe in their communities, and it is up to the national government to ensure this.”

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.