Skhumbuzo Mtshali (45) lost R120 today because his boss did not arrive this morning due to the violent protest in Zandspruit Informal Settlement.
Mtshali who works as a gardener, was sitting at the Caltex garage since the morning and could not go back to the informal settlement as he feared for his life.
According to him, the violent protest started last night as some of the residents were not happy about Eskom’s decision to cut off the illegal connections.
He explained that the strike came to halt late last night but started again this morning, as early as 2 am.
“These people charge you R400 to R500 every month if they connect electricity to your shack,” he explained.
The father of two has been staying in Zandspruit Informal Settlement for more than 10 years and complained about safety in the area.
“I wish I can leave this place but I don’t have anywhere to go. We cannot go inside because they will ask us where we are coming from or attack us,” he said.
Provincial Police spokesperson Lieutenant Kay Makhubela said the situation in Zandspruit remained tense after two police members were taken to hospital after the police nyala they travelled in had a puncture and protesters attacked them.
“We have arrested one suspect for malicious damage to property and public violence. We urge members of the public to avoid using Beyers Naudé Drive until the situation is calm,” he said.
Lt Makhubele added that the roads around Zandspruit remained closed and they have so far not received any official statements from the protesters explaining why they were protesting.
“The police will remain in the area until calm and order are restored,“ Makhubela added.
Businesses in the area remained closed. The Total garage on Marina Street was ransacked and vandalised last night.
Details: Gauteng Provincial Police, 079 522 4245.
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