JMPD cleans up in Zandspruit after protests

ZANDSPRUIT – JMPD cleans up protest aftermath

January 26, 2018

Sonwabile Antonie 1 minute read

A Metro police officer together with a community member clear away debris left at the intersection.

All is calm in the informal settlement after protesters caused havoc on the roads recently.

Burnt tyres and bricks that were scattered all over the Beyers Naude and Peter Road intersection obstructed traffic and Metro police officers used spades and wheelbarrows to clear the roads while redirecting traffic.

Zandspruit community members help a Metro police officer clear up after a protest.

Metro police officers are not scared to get their hands dirty

Angry residents protested and blocked the traffic while they threw rocks at passing vehicles on 25 January.

Their anger stemmed from the fact that the Metro police had removed stand markers which they had erected on the municipal land. The Department of Housing had already earmarked this area for a housing development for Zandspruit and Cosmo City residents.

Community members Ntombifikile and Michael Ngubane clean up after the protest in Zandspruit.

Not only did they burn tyres, but they also looted the Caltex filling station and caused considerable damage to the property.

Honeydew Police Station spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan confirmed the looting of the filling station and said the police are investigating cases of public violence, damage to property and theft.

Metro police superintendent Wayne Minnaar said although protesters have been quiet since the early hours of this morning, officers are still on scene as a precaution.

“Our officers are still removing debris from the road to allow traffic to flow freely. Although we do not know when the protesters will start picketing again, we will keep an eye on them. The protesters were violent last night, and we want to ensure the safety of residents and motorists,” said Minnaar.