The Gauteng Provincial Government has strongly condemned the torching of Lesedi Local Municipality executive mayor Mluleki Nkosi’s home, saying criminal acts cannot be tolerated under the guise of public protest.

The condemnation came during a media briefing held in Ratanda yesterday (July 4), where the office of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the mayor’s residence, which was allegedly set alight during violent protests on Friday, reports the Heidelberg Nigel Heraut.

The Premier’s spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, acknowledged residents’ constitutional right to protest but stressed that violence and the destruction of property crossed the line.

“People have every right to voice their frustrations and to protest peacefully. However, once protests turn into criminal acts, including the destruction of property and violence, they can no longer be justified. We are standing at a home that has been completely torched, and an innocent family has lost their belongings. This is unacceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable”, he said.

Investigation into protest fatalities

Mhlanga also confirmed that Lesufi would visit the families of two people who allegedly died after they were shot by police during the unrest, to offer the provincial government’s condolences and support.

“We want to express our condolences to their loved ones and assure the community that the circumstances surrounding their deaths will be properly investigated. Every life matters, and we are committed to ensuring that the truth comes out”, he said.

The matters are currently under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

Police response and arrests

The unrest was sparked by ongoing water supply challenges that have left many residents without reliable access to water. Meanwhile, SAPS confirmed that 15 suspects have been arrested in connection with incidents of public violence linked to the unrest.

Police said no arrests have yet been made in connection with the burning of the mayor’s house. Investigations into the alleged arson are continuing.

SAPS members remain deployed across Ratanda to maintain law and order.

Debt crisis triggers supply cuts

The municipality has attributed the water crisis to financial difficulties, saying poor revenue collection has prevented it from settling its outstanding debt with Rand Water.

Mayor Mluleki Nkosi confirmed that water supply had been restored following a high-level meeting involving himself, the minister of water and sanitation, Lesufi, the Gauteng MEC, and Rand Water.

“We are pleased that water has now been restored to the system. However, residents should understand that it takes time for reservoirs to refill after an interruption of this magnitude. Water will return to different areas gradually over the next few days, and we ask the community to remain patient while the system stabilises”, he said.

Grace period granted for payment

Lesufi announced that Rand Water has granted Lesedi Local Municipality a two-week grace period to settle its outstanding debt.

The municipality is expected to make a payment once it receives its next equitable share allocation from the national government.

The provincial government appealed for calm, urging residents to allow authorities and the municipality time to restore services while investigations into the violence, including the alleged deaths of two people during the protests, continue.

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