Tensions in Slovo Park, Eldorado Park, reached a boiling point on Thursday.
Watch: Slovo Park riots spill over to N12 highway, truck torched and looted
As seen in videos which you can watch below, the Slovo Park riots escalated into chaos when a truck was looted and set on fire on the N12 highway.
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Riot police confronted large groups of enraged residents in a tense standoff. While road closures were eventually lifted, protesters have warned of further disruptions until Premier Lesufi engages with the community.
Calls for Improved Living Conditions
The crux of the protests lies in the residents’ plea for better living conditions, particularly the improvement of sanitation services.
Addressing the media at the scene of the unrest, community leader Lerato Marole emphasised the urgent need to address the challenges faced by the community, including the tragic death of a teenage boy, Karabo Chaka, who was shot in the head during clashes with police earlier this week.
According to his uncle, Jafta ‘Small’ Chaka, the 16-year-old was shot by police while he was in the yard of the family home.
Jafta told GroundUp that Karabo had gone into the yard of their home in the informal settlement with other children to see what was happening.
Police had left the road and entered the yard. Chaka said his nephew had been shot in the back of the head. Karabo was rushed to Eldorado Park clinic but died on the way.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that police had opened an inquest docket which will be transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation.
Premier Lesufi’s Absence Draws Criticism
Community leaders expressed frustration at the lack of direct engagement with the Gauteng Premier. They insist that sending a junior representative is insufficient and that the community’s concerns require the attention of Premier Lesufi himself.
In 2016, the Johannesburg High Court issued an order to both the city and provincial government to improve living conditions in the informal settlement.
However, community leaders allege that authorities have failed to fulfil this court ruling. They criticise the lack of progress and accuse the city and human settlements in the province of ignoring their financial obligations.
Police will be on high alert as Slovo Park riots are expected to break out once again on Friday, 4 August 2023.
