1 person shot dead during Tembisa protests – EMPD
A resident in the area told Eyewitness News that the man was caught in a crossfire between EMPD officials and protesters.
- Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department EMPD
- Tembisa protests
JOHANNESBURG – Metro police in Ekurhuleni have confirmed the death of a resident in the area amid violent service delivery protests.
Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson Kelebogile Thepe said that the protester was fatally wounded in crossfire between members of the metro police and other demonstrators.
She said that the situation was currently volatile, as EMPD members have been met with resistance from residents, who have torched several buildings, including a customer care centre.
Thepe said that members of the SAPS were yet to conduct the necessary investigations.
She urged residents to avoid Tembisa at all costs: “Tembisa is a no-go area, all the roads are still blockaded, burning tyres and rocks. Where I’m currently standing at the CCC, which has also been set alight and there’s looting happening as we speak.”
#Tembisa
Driving through Esselen Park with Police @ewnreporter pic.twitter.com/ScMyFRJNUD
Kgomzzz (@motso_modise) August 1, 2022
#Tembisa
Cleopatra Mthethwa is a resident eGcagca. @ewnreporter pic.twitter.com/CuR8REXgnc
Kgomzzz (@motso_modise) August 1, 2022
Earlier on Monday morning, an angry mob descended on a municipal building in Tembisa, protesting over high rates and electricity bills.
Parts of Tembisa have been completely shut down, with protestors using rocks and burning tyres to block the roads.
They are demanding that Ekurhuleni Mayor Tania Campbell visits the area for a meeting.
Large groups of protesters are packed on Tembisa’s roads, calling for the Ekurhuleni mayor to meet with them.
One protester, Cleopatra Mthethwa, said that she simply could not afford the rates and electricity.
She has blamed Mayor Campbell for the protests intensifying.
“She had an appointment with us and she didn’t show up. She doesn’t care about us. She only cares about herself,” Mthethwa said.
Meanwhile, Tembisa is covered in smoke around the customer care center.
Police vans, trucks and a chopper are making the rounds as officers fire rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
Additional reporting by Kgomotso Modise.
