More cars burnt during public protest in Katlehong

Residents from Ncala and Mavimbela Sections took their anger to Kgotso Street and protested against an Eskom official who came to their house to replace the old electricity box with a new one.

One of the angry residents, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they don’t want the new boxes.

“The new prepaid boxes have less power compared to the old ones. Secondly, the metre boxes were subsidised and as a result, each household had to pay at least R200 towards monthly electricity bills, while people are expected to pay more than R500 per household for the new box. Where are we going to get that kind of money as most of us are not working?”

He said what makes them angrier is that they have been told by those who already have new boxes that it has less power and that it is tripping.

Communication officer at Katlehong Police Station Capt Mega Ndobe has confirmed that a case of public violence has been opened for investigation.

“A 30-year-old man has been arrested for public violence in the area. It is believed that the suspect is among the group who have been involved in vandalising the train station,” said Ndobe.

The community leaders, police and Eskom officials are in a meeting trying to come up with a solution to the violence. In the main time Kgotso, Masakhane and Thusong streets are barricaded and motorists cannot access these streets.

The arrested man is expected to appear in Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.

The investigation is ongoing.