The ongoing water crisis in Ratanda took a dramatic turn this afternoon (July 3), when a house allegedly belonging to Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi was set alight as violent protests over prolonged water shortages intensified.

The incident occurred as thousands of residents remained on the streets for a third consecutive day, demanding the immediate restoration of running water after weeks of unreliable supply.

Protests, which began on July 1 in Ext 23, have continued to spread across Ratanda, with residents blocking major roads, including the R549 (Vaaldam Road), using burning tyres, rocks and other debris.

Update: Lesedi Local Municipality confirms ongoing talks with Rand Water to resolve water crisis

The demonstrations have severely disrupted traffic, businesses, schools and public transport.

Police have maintained a strong presence in the area, firing rubber bullets and deploying water cannons in repeated attempts to disperse protesters and reopen blocked roads. However, demonstrators remained on the streets into the late afternoon, refusing to end the protest.

It is alleged that two people were shot by police during the unrest.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Fikile Funda confirmed that the incidents are being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

No further details regarding the circumstances of the alleged shootings have been released.

Earlier in the day, Nkosi met with residents in an effort to defuse tensions and appeal for calm.

Addressing the crowd, Nkosi acknowledged the municipality’s financial challenges and confirmed that Lesedi Local Municipality is unable to settle its outstanding debt to Rand Water.

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He urged residents to allow municipal water tankers access to affected areas while efforts continue to restore the water supply.

The mayor also appealed to protesters to reopen roads to allow emergency and municipal vehicles to move freely through the township.

As tensions escalated during the afternoon, a property allegedly belonging to the mayor in Ext 23 was set alight.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and no arrests had been made.

SAPS and emergency services remained deployed throughout Ratanda as efforts continued to restore order and monitor the volatile situation.

ALSO READ: Vaaldam Road shut again as Ratanda water protests continue amid unconfirmed shooting claims