Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-07-24

Police are on high alert in Lenasia Extension 10 South of Johannesburg after residents from Thembelihle informal settlement went on the rampage over electricity.

The protest was sparked this morning after Metro Police along with City Power officials removed illegal electricity connections that have plagued the area.

Protestors barricaded Volta Street in Extension 10 with rocks and burning tyres and stoned Metro officers.

Police retaliated with rubber bullets.

The protestors torched three mini subs-stations that caused extensive damage leaving the entire Lenasia extension 9 and parts of extension 10 area without power.

“Enough is enough. For the whole of Ramadhan we had no lights, we suffered enough and now we must still suffer and I wonder if we are going to get lights for Eid,” said Sarah a resident of Extension 10.

Councillor for Lenasia, Zarina Motala said what happened today was extremely unfortunate.

“JMPD with City Power were doing their work removing illegal connections. I think we cannot condone the damage to infrastructure,”

“I feel for the residents because they’ve been without power for a considerable amount of time,” said Motala.

Motala said due to the extensive damages to the mini substations there is no estimated time of power restoration to the affected areas. 

(Twitter: @Faizie143)