The Westonaria SAPS spokesperson Constable Thembi Masango barely escaped the line of fire after protesters threatened to throw stones at her during a massive protest action in Bekkersdal on 6 September.
During this time, protesters had mistaken Masango, who was not in police uniform at the time, for the Westonaria Local Municipality Executive Mayor Nonkoliso Tundzi,.
The mass action comes as a result of the poor quality of service delivery in the area.
According to resident Thandi Simelane, the Westonaria Local Municipality is all talk but no action when it comes to addressing their concerns.
“We are constantly informing the municipality about the problems that we face in our society.
“Be it those of sewage, refuse removal, potholes or other things, but nothing gets done.
“We feel like we can talk until we are blue in the face and nothing fruitful will come out of it.
“The only time the municipality is prepared to listen is when we stage a mass action and make the streets ungovernable.
“If that is what it takes, then we will do so continuously,” says Simelane.
It is understood that the mass action started late on 5 September.
Owing to this, a huge portion of Bekkersdal is littered with rocks and burnt tyres
Police presence in the area has been increased significantly and police say they have everything under control.
Meanwhile, residents have called on Tundzi to address their outcries today.
Failure to do so, residents say, they result in more chaos.
The Herald will keep you updated should anything transpire in the area.
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