Police arrest violent protesters in Diepkloof

Police have resorted to arresting some protesters in Diepkloof, Soweto following continuous unrest in the area.

POLICE CONFIRM THE ARREST OF THE PROTESTERS

Police confirmed that three suspects were arrested following violent #ProtestAction in Diepkloof. The arrested suspects face charges of public violence, according to the brief update.

“Police remaining heightened #PoliceVisibility in the area.”

SAPS

ALSO READ: Diepkloof unrest leads to road closures, traffic diversions in Johannesburg

WHEN DID THE PROTEST ACTION ERUPT IN DIEPKLOOF

Protest action broke out in the dawn of 14 June when protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against poor service delivery.

The N12 and N1 North Highways were one of many routes that were closed to traffic at the Diepkloof Interchange next to the hostel. Chris Hani Road was also closed between Collinder Road and the N12 exit.
Motorists were advised by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to use the Golden Highway, Ben Naude Drive, Rand Show Road or the Soweto Highway as alternative routes.

ALSO READ: Nine more ‘instigators’ arrested for 2021 July unrest

According to News24, the protest is a result of poor living conditions at the hostel.
Speaking to hostel leader, Sibongiseni Khoza, he said homes were cracked, there was no electricity, and approximately 4000 people are forced to use the bucket system.
Residents want answers from the local government and vowed to continue demonstrating until their demands are met.

ALSO READ: EMPD concern about rapid increase in damage to council property during protests

Meanwhile, the disgruntled residents of Diepsloot have also vowed to continue blockading the roads until their grievances are addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Last week Tuesday, 20 June, a group of Diepsloot residents took to the streets and protested against crime and service delivery.
The protest action affected the N14 which connects Krugersdorp and Pretoria – forcing motorists to find alternative routes to get safely to their respective destinations.
According to media reports, the protest was sparked by crime in the township which was blamed on illegal foreign nationals by the group. They attributed this lawlessness to the lack of visibility on the ground by the police. However, the group does not want the police to address them but demand Ramaphosa to do so.

ALSO READ: Diepsloot vows to block roads until Ramaphosa addresses them