Blocked roads and burning tyres were at the order of the day at the entrance of Promosa and the municipal dumping grounds as residents from Extension 4 and Marikana wreaked havoc.

This was due to that fact that the Scorpion Community Safety Group based in Promosa attempted to prevent resident from making illegal electricity connections.

The Democratic Alliance in JB Marks released a press statement today (Thursday, 14 July) in which they condemn the violence and destruction of property in Promosa. They also called on the municipality and police to restore law and order as soon as possible.

“The suspects allegedly retaliated against the efforts by the Scorpion Group to prevent criminality by torching the vehicle belonging to a leader of the group,” stated DA councillor, Glenville Fransman.

He added that some residents are currently without electricity because of the protests, and that this makes it difficult for municipal officials to enter Promosa and attend to the electricity problems in the area.

“Residents cannot exit the area and obtain necessities, as shops are closed for business in a bid to prevent looting. The people who are suffering the most from this destructive behaviour are mainly law-abiding citizens and families who have been unable to go to work.”

“The DA has continuously raised the issue of illegal electricity connections and demanded that the JB Marks Municipality act against this illegal practise which poses a significant safety risk, exposing perpetrators and residents to potential electrocution as well as robbing the municipality of much-needed electricity revenue.

If the JB Marks Municipality did its job to ensure that action is taken against people who illegally connect electricity points to the grid to steal electricity, these violent protests could have been avoided,” ended Fransman.