EMPD continue to monitor Makause protest

The residents of the Makause informal settlement took to the streets on Wednesday morning, in what was believed to be a service delivery protest.

EMPD officers stationed themselves at all the intersections of Stanley, Pretoria, Shamrock and Main Reef roads to warn motorists and redirect traffic away from the area.

Lieut-Col Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesman, told the GCN that there was very little violence during the protest.

“Violence was virtually nil save the attempt by a group of 400 to 500 protesters to invade the bus shed (EMM Fleet) and the Wannenberg Clinic on Pretoria Road.

“However, law enforcers acted swiftly and were able to prevent the attack, and only a couple of windows were cracked at the clinic and seven protesters were arrested,” he said.

The EMPD has received no reports of damaged vehicles or injuries at this time but continues to monitor the situation.

Kgasago stated that the protest started around 6am and by 9.30am the protestors had retreated back into the settlement.

“The affected roads are still closed off to traffic,” said Kgasago.

“At 11.30am the EMPD and SAPS assisted in moving the protesters to the Makause soccer field where the metro plans to hold discussions with the residents to resolve their issues.

“We expect the situation to normalise soon.”

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