EVATON – This comes after protesters from Ward 45 had a heated argument with taxi operators, who accosted them demanding they (protesters) open roads.
According to angry residents, they have been without water for eight days and electricity for six days.
When the incident happened, dozens of protesters had barricaded Eastern Road and Golden Highway with burning tyres, rocks, and debris. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Naughty Clack (40) a resident in the area, said the protest was supposed to be an ‘attention puller’ from their Councilor.
“We have been without water and electricity for days now and we decided as the community to close roads as a way to get the attention from the councilor who promised to meet with the community but never did. When we closed the roads, taxi associations communicated with us and we agreed that we will open for their cars only so that we don’t disturb them from their work,” he said.
Clack said an incident ensued when taxi people approached a lady who was using her phone, thinking she was filming them.
“A bunch of taxi association people accosted a lady who was using her phone, mistaking her to be filming them. We stood up for her from that group. Taxi people assaulted the boy, and when he tried to block him, the guy ( the shooter) took out a gun and shot him in the face. We are disturbed because this was a peaceful march, plus we had agreed to open the road for them. We want justice for the young boy and that the taxi operator (must) get arrested,” he said.
Another resident, Baba Sithole (43) said the Councilor only came to address the community after the shooting incident.
“We are saddened that the councilor only came to the people after someone almost lost his life. This means this is the only language understood. Only now, he brought water tankers that were long promised to our people,” he said.
Police Spokesman, Sergeant Shaan Motsapi said that a case of attempted murder has been opened and no suspect has been arrested.
“Investigations are underway for the above-mentioned case to identify the shooter. No suspect has been arrested at this moment,” he said.
Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Spokesman, Mojalefa Radebe said that the municipality issued a notice about water shortages in the higher areas of Evaton.
“This was later discovered to be a result of abnormally low pressure in the Evaton water supply pipeline. Our Water Demand Management team has been on site since conducting tests on the Evaton pipeline and the Pressure Regulation Valves at the Waterdal Chamber,” he said.
Radebe further said that water tankers will be available for supplying higher areas in Evaton and Sebokeng.
