SEKHUKHUNE – Residents of Roossenekal in the Elias Motsoaledi Municipality (EMM) took to the streets on January 15 to demand that council stop selling them electricity.
The protesters blocked the R555 with branches and burning tyres, which prevented learners from going to school and employees from going to work.
They alleged that EMM tendered their prepaid electricity, which they said was too expensive.
“We only purchase it at the municipal offices, and on weekends they are closed and we have to do without power. For the past two weeks, they told us there was no network and this caused our meat and groceries to rot. We want them to change the electricity, so that we can buy it anywhere we want. Our situation has worsened, because R100 only lasts two days and gives us units worth less than R70,” said one of the residents, Mr Phineas Mokwana.
The protesters accused the mayor, Ms Julia Mathebe of enriching herself and her cronies by tendering for the electricity.
The Roossenekal police had to fire warning shots and use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Some protesters sought shelter and hid in the nearby bush.
The spokesman for the municipality, Mr Mbusi Mahlangu was not available for comment.
