This is according to the Leader of the Democratic Alliance in the Province, Patricia Kopane. Schools and businesses came to a standstill in the area when residents took to the streets to protest against the alleged lack of service delivery by the municipality. 

Kopane says the protests are a sign that the municipal mayor has long failed to address service delivery issues and the matter has now reached a boiling point. The cash-strapped municipality is still among those with the highest debt to the water board and power utility, Eskom.

The municipality owes Eskom close to R2 billion for bulk electricity supply and owes the water board over R200 million.

Kopane says Tshabalala and his team urgently needs to be held accountable and that businesses and schools in the area cannot continue to suffer because of service delivery marches.

Police spokesperson, Mamako Mophiring, told OFM News taxis stopped operating and shopping centres were closed. Twelve suspects have been arrested after local shops were looted and damaged. 

Mophiring says the police are still monitoring the situation.

The MEC for the Provincial Department of Education, Tate Makgoe, has condemned the incident. He said it is with great disappointment that the shutdown of services has affected learning and teaching in schools. He hopes the matter will be resolved soon.

OFM News