By Everson Luhanga
- People threw stones at officials and broke into shops when Joburg Water tried to stop illegal water connections.
- The violence closed Golden Highway and damaged four vehicles before police fired rubber bullets to stop the crowd.
Protesters stoned police cars and looted shops after Johannesburg Water attempted to cut illegal water connections in Lenasia South on Tuesday.
The violence forced police to close the Golden Highway between Wimbledon and Sheffield streets.
“Residents have barricaded the roads in response to an illegal water connection operation conducted by Johannesburg Water,” said Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla.
Fihla said three Johannesburg Water vehicles and a security car were damaged by stones. Police fired rubber bullets to scatter the crowd and halted the operation.
“A case of public violence will be opened at Lenasia South SAPS,” said Fihla. He advised drivers to use other routes, such as Drakensberg Road or the N1.
This incident occurs as Johannesburg faces a massive water crisis. Johannesburg Water requires R64-billion to repair its deteriorating infrastructure, with 59% of its R115-billion system in need of maintenance.
The city will begin nightly water cuts from 9pm to 4am to help reservoir levels recover. Level one water restrictions have been in place since September.
Pictured above: The vans attacked at the protest.
Source: Supplied
