Chaos reigned during the early hours of this morning, February 24, with protestors closing the roads entering Newcastle via Madadeni.
However, due to the swift reaction of law enforcement, roads were quickly cleared. A strong police presence ensuring matters did not escalate.
“A number of vehicles were pelted with stones. The car owners are in the process of laying criminal charges with the local police station,” says Newcastle Municipality’s Communication Department.
In a statement issued by the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Department, it states that while protesting is recognised as a human right, demonstrators are urged to protest in a civil manner which does not infringe and negatively impact on other people’s rights to free movement.
“Law enforcement agencies are still monitoring various hotspots.”
But what led to protestors lashing out, burning tyres and blocking the roads?
The protest allegedly stems from an apparent rumour, which claims the municipality hired over 120 people from outside the municipality.
However, the municipality extends an invitation to allow the aggrieved parties to present evidence of this. Unfortunately, none has thus far come forward.
“Despite the municipality categorically placing on record that the rumour is untrue, the protest went ahead. Residents of Newcastle will always be given first preference should employment opportunities arise,” states the Newcastle Municipality’s Communication Department.
While protestors voiced their anger over an alleged rumour, several households are fuming that they have no access to water.
Over the course of the weekend, several water pipes burst, affecting suburbs across Newcastle. This follows threats of unnamed people sabotaging the water supply to the town.
Read more: Newcastle’s water supply under threat of sabotage
However, the municipality assures the issue pertaining to the water is due to burst water pipes and they are working on the matter.
This follows a statement by the Newcastle Municipality Communications Department, which states that the municipal technical units have been notified of another burst pipe on Sunset View.
The municipal teams are currently at the scene of the burst pipe and are repairing it.
Municipal units are also currently busy restoring the supply of water in the Ncandu area and Barry Hertzog Park, following a failure on the valve.
Residents are encouraged to report burst pipes; so that the technical units can fix them as speedily as possible.
According to the municipality’s communication department, the municipality is in the process of launching its WhatsApp line to report on critical issues and will allow residents to report on issues affecting the community.
