Photos: Illegal connection protest turns violent
Road closed by protesters
Smouldering tyres and debris blocked South Road once again on the morning of 5 October, after Princess Informal Settlement residents took to the streets in a violent fashion to protest against the removal of a mini electrical sub-station.
Officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and members from the Neighbourhood Watch closed off South Road at Rothchild and Pannevis Streets. They advise motorists to not use this road but to rather use an alternative route.
City Power officials were busy moving the mini sub-station from Pannevis Street to a spot further up in the suburb. The residents from the informal settlement came out in full strength to show their dismay. They burned tyres and other debris at both ends of South Road and threw rocks at council vehicles and passing motorists.
Some of the residents in South Road expressed their disgust at this action. “We did not have electricity for about two hours yesterday. Today it is the same story. We do not even have any working street lights. Can City Power not do anything about this?” asked one of the residents, who wished to stay anonymous. Her neighbour just laughed cynically when asked how she felt about what is happening.
Comment will be requested from all parties involved and an update will be provided as soon as it is received.
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