Aggrieved residents of Eersterust embarked on protest action on Thursday due to lack of water and electricity in their area.
They shut down the busy Stormvoel Road with burning objects such as tyres, rocks and stones.
The protest resulted in 4 residents being arrested by police on charges of public violence.
According to Police Spokesperson Captain Johaan van Dyk, the police are looking for a fifth suspect in this regard.
Motorists had to use alternative roads to get to their various destinations.
According to residents, electricity in their area started coming on and going off since 26 December (Boxing Day) 2025 and water also started being switched on and off during that time.
On 7 January 2026 a transformer in Eersterust exploded; leaving residents in the dark and water was cut off since 4 January 2026.
“We have not had a decent bath since the water and electricity crisis started in Eersterust,” said one resident.
It has emerged that only three water tankers have been provided for the whole Eersterust community and the said tankers only come to the area at night.
“We want answers from all the authorities and we are disappointed that instead of coming to address us, Ward Councillor Benjamin Lawrence is busy cutting grass in the Highlands Park area of Eersterust,” said another resident.
The resident said they as residents no longer want Benjamin Lawrence as their Councillor and that he must continue with his new job of being a grass cutter and leave politics.
“Many residents of Eersterust are cowards because while we are out here in the streets fighting for the whole community, they are sitting in their houses, relaxing,” said yet another resident.
MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi tried to address the protesting crowd but the crowd refused to listen to her and preferred to be addressed by MMC for Utilities Frans Boshielo.
“When you have problems in Eersterust, I am never afraid to come to the area, and I must say after doing investigations it emerged that there was an explosion at the Waltloo electricity substation which led to to power outages in Eersterust,” explained Boshielo in his address to the protestors.
“The team couldn’t make the necessary repairs timeously due to the extend of the fire which had generated lots of carbon, and please bear with me for the inconvenience caused by the power outages and we will make sure that you receive your power back as soon as possible,” explained Boshielo as he in the process indicated that residents have the right to protest if they are not happy with the services or lack thereof from the government.
It has now emerged that electricity was restored to Eersterust later in the afternoon on Thursday.
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