UPDATE: Two shot during electricity protest in eMzinoni, Bethal – police arrest suspect
Residents are fed up with the constant electricity issues in the area.
eMzinoni Police arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting of two people during a protest at eMzinoni last night, May 10.
The community was in uproar about continuous electricity outages last night when two people were wounded. One has since been discharged while the other is still in hospital.
Sgt Cynthia Mtsweni, spokesperson for eMzinoni Police, said a 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. She believes more arrests will soon follow.
The suspect will soon appear before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court.
In the meantime, the Govan Mbeki Municipality held a meeting with the residents of Ext 22 today, May 11.
The residents were informed that wrongly installed cables at the Bethal Mall is the cause for the electricity interruption.
Unrest over electricity is rising in eMzinoni, Bethal
May 10
eMzinoni community members blocked the Standerton road and are burning tyres tonight, May 10.
They are upset about the extended electricity interruptions.
Sgt Cythia Mtsweni, spokesperson for eMzinoni Police, said the police urge all truck drivers not to use the Morgenzon road to Bethal or Standerton road to Bethal.
Two people have also been shot during the unrest.
According to Sgt Mtsweni, the injured claimed to have been shot by group known to the protesters.
She said the protesters are demanding to be adressed by the municipality regarding their electricity problem.
Sgt Cynthia Mtsweni said they managed to engage the community and the protestera agreed to stop their protest until they meet the Govan Mbeki municipality tomorrow, May 11.
Police are monitoring the situation.
