Irate residents have been protesting since the beginning of this week, having had no access to electricity for a while now.
Tyres and anything they could lay their hands on, have been burnt on streets along the popular Immink Street that houses several local clubs, venting their anger.
Members of the community say they tried to have a word with Eskom to resolve the issue but to no avail.
Local councillor Patrick Magalefa said: “The situation in zone 5 started in April. We communicated with the residents, we went to Eskom, and they promised to come. At a later stage, Eskom wanted us to fill out forms and the community did it, but now Eskom is failing to respond on the needs of the community.”
Mpho Lesejane, another resident says: “We were fired because of coronavirus. We don’t work, kids are not going to school, and we don’t have money. So president Cyril Ramaphosa, the counsellor, and Eskom they must reach an agreement.”
“From our side we’re ok electricity is no issue, but we’re in solidarity with our neighbours,” commented Karabo Loate, freelance reporter.
Meanwhile, JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar has warned motorists to be on high alert especially around the Immink Street and other neighbouring areas.
“We request motorists and other members to be on high alert as some streets might be cordoned-off and urge them to be careful since tyres are burning,” says Minnaar.
Eskom spokesperson for Gauteng, Daphney Mokwena was not readily available for comment at the time of publishing.
In the past weeks, I personally have been in that area and in some parts there was no electricity.
Image (Snapped Airborne. JMPD cops arrested one of the protesters in Diepkloof as a result of electricity protests).
