Frustrated residents of the Diepkloof hostel resorted to extreme measures to make their voices heard On Monday 26 June. The recent protest reflects a renewed wave of anger and discontentment, as residents raised their grievances regarding the lack of essential services.
Chaos erupted as residents blockaded the N12 east and N1 freeway at the Diepkloof interchange, resulting in significant disruptions and inconvenience for motorists. However, officers arrived at the protest in the early morning hours, managing to disperse the crowd and reopen the affected routes.
One of the protesters, Sibonele Khoza, one of the Izindunas express his concern. “We demand government intervention because our living conditions in the hostel deteriorate every day, and our complaints have gone unanswered,” he said.
Khosa said they also call for the removal of the toilet bucket system used at the hostel and for City Power to explain why the electricity installation was abandoned. “We will protest every day until our demands are met,” he said.
According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, during the incident, protesters looted a truck transporting alcohol, and the driver sustained minor injuries. Fihla further said the officers would remain in the area in the afternoon to monitor any further disturbances or disruptions.
