Communities such as Bluegumbosch, Makwane, and parts of Phuthaditjhaba are some of the areas which have reportedly been without electricity and water since the weekend. 

Though the water crisis is probably due to no electricity, community members explained that they are mostly angered by not being informed about why they haven’t had electricity for almost a week now, and not knowing how much longer this will continue. 

Phuthaditjhaba SAPS spokesperson, Mmako Mophiring, explained that there haven’t been any casualties or fatalities reported yet, but they are faced with the challenge of people requesting to be escorted by police, especially emergency service providers such as ambulance and funeral parlour services' workers, as they sometimes get attacked.

He further mentioned that the protests have affected schools and health facilities as the taxi industry does not operate due to the violence.  

Mophiring mentioned that the SAPS would appreciate it if the municipality could play a role in dissolving the situation, especially as angry communities are demanding answers. The community radio station has also been offline due to the electricity crisis.

Residents explained that these protests sometimes stop due to police interference, just to flare up again later. They further demanded urgent solutions as they are the only community in this municipality that are experiencing extremely poor service delivery.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi