Zandspruit erupts in protest and chaos
Tensions boil over for residents as law enforcement addresses illegal land invasion in Zandspruit.
After an operation conducted by law enforcement, Zandspruit became the focal point of tension and unrest as residents staged a protest on Bothma Street and Beyers Naude Drive on July 4, where the ward councillor was allegedly attacked.
On July 2, a joint operation was conducted by JMPD, police, private security companies, and service providers to address illegal land occupation in Zandspruit. The operation aimed to uphold the rule of law and restore order in the area.
According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, about 70 uninhabited structures and 300 demarcated areas and pegs placed to secure land were demolished and removed without incident. High-visibility patrols were subsequently conducted in the vicinity to maintain public safety and decrease potential illegal activities.
Residents took to the streets to protest out of anger, endangering residents and blocking both Bothma Street and Beyers Naude Drive with large rocks and burning tyres.
“The residents were unhappy, and their resentment grew, which led to them wreaking havoc,” Fihla said.
The police and JMPD were on the scene to address the issue and secure the roads. Later in the evening, there were reports of irate locals hurling rocks at passing cars on Beyers Naude Drive.
“As of right now, everything is under control, and law enforcement is keeping an eye out for any potential disruptions or disturbances,” he added.
Community activist and Zandspruit Combat Movement member Solly Moagi told the Roodepoort Northsider that the protest was led by residents who were evicted from land that was earmarked for development.
“Several residents in Zandspruit have numerous stands which they rent out, and the majority of the very same tenants who are at the forefront are those who are seeing the business opportunity of either renting out the property or selling it.
“As communist activists, we condemn such activities because they contain elements of criminality, and we applaud law enforcement agencies for ensuring the law takes its course,” he added.
The Northsider contacted the police for comment, but by the time of publication, no response was received.
