The service delivery protest in Tembisa has claimed a second person. Metro police in Ekurhuleni have warned the public to avoid the area, adding that the situation has become volatile.
Earlier on Monday, EMPD spokesperson Kelebogile Thepe explained that the first protester was fatally wounded in the crossfire between members of the metro police and other protesters.
Thepe said that the area had been completely shut down.
“Tembisa is a no-go area, all the roads are still blockaded, burning tyres and rocks. Where I’m currently standing at the CCC, which has also been set alight and there’s looting happening as we speak.”
The incensed residents protesting over high living calls and electricity bills, said that they would continue until Ekurhuleni Mayor Tania Campbell came to the area.
Thepe said that EMPD members had been met with resistance from residents, who had torched many buildings, including a customer care centre.
Thepe said that members of the SAPS were yet to conduct the necessary investigations on the Tembisa protests. She urged residents to avoid Tembisa at all costs.
“I call for calm to be immediately be restored to Tembisa. Citizens have the constitutional right to protest, however, such acts of arson and vandalism to the public infrastructure will not be tolerated,” said the mayor in a statement.
She said she delegated Members of the Mayoral Committee on Friday to engage the community on the memorandum they had submitted to the city.
“However, that meeting unfortunately collapsed and failed to reach a resolution.”
Campbell promised to contact the premier David Makhura in order to come up with a robust plan to put an end to the impasse.