14 arrested during Eersterust protest, city services disrupted
Fourteen people have been arrested for public violence during a community protest in Eersterust, east of Pretoria.
The protest, which began on Monday morning, turned several streets in the area into no-go zones.
It forced the City of Tshwane to suspend various municipal services and led to the closure of the local library.
City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo warned that the response time to issues like power outages, waste collection, pipe leaks, and sewer blockages will be delayed.
"The current situation is that some members of the community are pelting stones at those who are not part of the strike action. The city has deployed Tshwane metro police to quell the chaos.
“The city respects the people’s right to protest, but lawlessness, chaos, violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.”
Mashigo urged customers who want to make payments and account enquiries to visit the nearest customer walk-in centres.
“The city apologises to members of the community who are greatly frustrated and inconvenienced by the disturbances," said Mashigo.
The reason for the protest has not been established.
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