WATCH: ‘We were not told about cuts’ – 4 reportedly injured in JMPD clashes with Lenasia residents

A tense standoff between Johannesburg Metro Police officers and community members in Lenasia South erupted into chaos on Tuesday.

Police were in the area to ensure order as Johannesburg Water removed illegal water connections in Phumlamqashi.

Some angry alleged residents told The Citizen that they were not informed of the cuts.

They reportedly started hurling stones at officers, who responded by firing rubber bullets.

Authorities have not confirmed the number of people injured but a local ANC branch secretary said four people had been treated.

JMPD Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said a case of public violence will be opened at the Lenasia police station but no arrests have yet been made.

WATCH: Police opening fire at alleged community members

Johannesburg Water abandoned the operation and left the area.

The violence spread to the Golden Highway, where delivery trucks at a nearby cash and carry bulk supplier were looted and items scattered on the highway.

Police and private security descended in large numbers to the scene, which remains tense.

The highway was closed temporarily with burning tyres, but has since reopened.

A nearby shopping centre remains shut in fear of more looting.

Position on either side of the road, police and protestors have watched each other, with alleged residents quick to pick up rocks if officers attempt to come near.

Despite this, it is understood that some negotiations may be underway.

What’s up with Phumlanqashi?

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said Phumlanqashi was initially served by water tanks to meet residents’ needs.

“However, due to ongoing land invasions and subsequent illegal water connections, these tanks were vandalised, leading to increased strain on the local water supply network.

“Johannesburg Water plans to disconnect all unauthorised connections in the area and restore water tank services for essential water provision.”

Residents said they had resorted to illegal water connections because it was the only solution to a longstanding water crisis in their community. They said their requests for water were ignored by the city.

A resident who spoke to The Citizen disputed this and said the tankers were insufficient and mostly empty.

‘We do connect illegally’

Vusi Nkomo admitted that residents did access water illegally but said they had no alternative.

“We don’t deny that we connected to the water system illegally, we were forced due to the situation of not having water for long periods.

“I’ve been here since 2017 and there was no plan for us regarding consistent water supply.

“We connected to their underground pipe and connected to taps in our yards.

“If they cut off the water, what do they expect us to drink.”

The councillor has failed, we want the mayor

Resident Jerom Ngwenya told The Citizen a councillor in the area had failed the community and they wanted the mayor of Johannesburg Dada Morero to step in.

“We don’t want to engage with the councillor because she has failed to give us our basic right to water.

“We want to be addressed by the mayor or the water minister [Pemmy Majodina] herself on tangible solutions or even alternative proposals to the water challenges in this area.”

Another alleged resident said the councillor was not on the scene because she feared for her life.

Lack of transparency

Community leader Sibusiso Ndlovu slammed the utility for lack of transparency.

“If this operation is to proceed, proper consultation must occur. They need to provide a plan with timelines on how they intend to supply water until we have a permanent solution,” he said.

“They should have provided alternative water sources and notices before starting the operations.”