JMPD to monitor Zandspruit following protest
It’s been quiet today. Everything is back to normal, JMPD confirmed.
Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) officers have vowed to maintain visibility in Zandspruit following protest action on 25 October which saw part of Beyers Naudé Drive being barricaded.
Superintendent Wandile Mrubata from JMPD told Northsider that no demonstrations have been reported in Zandspruit today, 26 October.
“It’s been quiet today. Everything is back to normal,” Mrubata confirmed.
The residents of the informal settlement blocked off the intersection of Peter Road and Beyers Naudé Drive leading to Bothma Road after the area’s illegal power connection was disconnected by City Power.
Read the initial article here: Disconnection of illegal cables leads to protest in Zandspruit
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes while authorities tried to maintain calm in the area.
Mrubata added that no arrests were made during the protest; however, the area will be constantly monitored for the next three to four days.
Ward 114 councillor, Victor Mafinya, expressed his dissatisfaction with City Power, saying that it came as shock to him that the power utility was disconnecting the area without informing him.
He added that he was also disappointed with JMPD and police hurling tear gas and firing rubber bullets at the residents. “I was disappointed with the police in the Nyala truck throwing teargas and JMPD firing rubber bullets. This led to two injuries, with one victim still in hospital,” Mafinya vented.
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