Tembisa Residents Protest High Cost of Living, Police Closely Monitor the Area for Violence

• Police are monitoring the protest action in Tembisa as angry residents blocked the roadway
• Protesters used burning tyres and rocks to blockade the road, causing service delivery in the area to be hampered
• Ekurhuleni Metro Police Lt-Col Kelebogile Thepa told road users to avoid major routes in Thembisa

JOHANNESBURG - Police presence in Tembisa is high following protests against the high cost of living. Disgruntled residents blockaded roads with burning tyres and rocks, causing service delivery in the area to be hampered.

Ekurhuleni Metro Police Spokesperson Lt-Col Kelebogile Thepa told road users to avoid major routes in Thembisa as burning tyres and debris obstructed the road. According to TimesLIVE, Thepa added that police are closely monitoring the area as protesters planned to convene at the Rabasotho open space and will then proceed to the OR Tambo government precinct.

Read also

Police Minister Bheki Cele destroys 30k litres of alcohol in response to Khayelitsha mass shooting, SA reacts

No injuries were reported as a result of the protest. Gauteng Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo told SABC News that members from public order policing had been dispatched to monitor the situation in Tembisa.

He said there are a number of streets that have been blockaded with burning tyres and rocks. Masondo added that members are monitoring the situation.

South Africans react to the protest over the rising cost of living:

@Ckhola1745 said:

“Let me guess, tomorrow the prices will fall and everything will be free! A different strategy is needed as opposed to burning and destroying our own infrastructure. Blocking our own people from accessing their work environments; the few that still does have a job.”

@SamSam60757789 wrote:

“I’m lost, how will this result in lower prices again?”

Read also

DA's Helen Zille says ANC ministers' power should be cut, following claims that ANC spend R2.6m on generators

@GueveraLeninist commented:

“They must take it to the presidency, parliament and the North Gauteng High Court. They must force the government and private sector out of their comfort.”

@magoveni2020 added:

“I hope these people will vote wise come 2024.”

Citizens march against President Cyril Ramaphosa and goverment, says they are unhappy with the quality of life

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported South Africans held marches in Durban and Cape Town to express their frustrations with the government and call for intervention.

Marchers in Durban were led by fired African National Congress member Carl Niehaus and Nkosentsha Shezi, calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to be arrested.

Source: Briefly News