Residents close off road in protest of illegal connection from a local tavern

Some residents of Princess informal settlement have closed off Albertina Sisulu Road with rocks and are protesting about an electricity issue that involves illegal connections.

The residents allege that a tavern owner who is known to the Record is connecting to a mini substation located on Albertina Sisulu Road and as a result of this connection certain areas in Princess experience low voltage and at times no electricity.

A community leader who is active in public safety, Fakade Siduko pointed out the illegal connections at the mini substation to Record journalist Thabisile Mgwali and said the tavern is stealing the electricity.

The illegal connections that lead to the tavern, meander underground in concrete pipes like a hungry serpent, posing a great danger to the community members on the surface.

Community members said the last time they made an attempt to close the tavern down and report its illegal activity, the owner opened a case at the Roodepoort Police Station.

The owner is disputing the allegations and blaming the community leaders of being negative towards him.

Police are on the scene and the arrival of some City Power officials was confirmed, latest updates will be provided as they become available.

The Record also contacted City Power Spokesperson, Isaac Mangena for comment but at the time of publishing there was still no reply from him.

Ward 85 Councillor Zoné Hughes said that they are looking into getting the matter resolved and as soon as more information becomes available it will be shared.