By Marcus Moloko
Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana, has confirmed that six people were arrested during protest action by Diepkloof Hostel residents in Soweto on Saturday.
Kekana said the first responders were Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and Public Order Policing units, who found protesters blocking the highway.
Local police stations across Soweto were mobilized to assist as demonstrators threw stones and damaged vehicles.
“Six people have been arrested for public violence. Currently, they are being processed. Our detectives are here with the station command of Diepkloof, and our Crime Intelligence Head is on the ground to identify the instigators,” Kekana said.
While residents faced electricity challenges, Kekana said police will not tolerate lawlessness.
“Damage to property or hindering people’s lives by blocking roads and throwing stones at vehicles will not be allowed. We mobilized more public order policing to ensure all routes are opened. The situation is calm and under control.”
ALSO READ: City Power responds to Diepkloof hostel protest over power outage
Earlier, City Power confirmed they were aware of protest action in the Soweto area.
City Power said the ongoing power outage at Diepkloof hostel, which sparked protest action, stemmed from issues on the Eskom network and an outstanding debt linked to the facility’s account.
The utility explained that the initial fault was reported on Monday, 20 April, with Eskom technicians deployed to the site on Wednesday.
While repairs to faulty cables were completed, Eskom has since isolated supply to the hostel due to non-payment.
The outage has left residents frustrated, with demonstrations escalating into clashes with police as community members demand the restoration of electricity.
