Protestors damage houses, burn substation

Zinniaville/ Rustenburg – A house in Kanna Street in Zinniaville was among the numerous residential properties that were damaged on Wednesday 3 June during a protest by a group of dwellers from the Reutlwile informal settlement.

The protest started soon after personnel from the Rustenburg Local Municipality’s public safety unit disconnected illegal electricity connections that were allegedly being used by those living in the informal settlement.

“A group of the protestors threw stones, breaking our windows. Protesters damaged some houses, trying to set it alight. The protestors burnt tyres and we are requesting the police to investigate this matter,” a resident told Platinum Weekly.    

A burnt substation and the charred remains of burnt tyres were seen by Platinum Weekly during a visit on 4 June to one of the scenes.    

Police spokesperson captain Elsabé Augoustides said an investigation is underway. “Police were deployed at 10:00 after they were informed about the protests. The situation has calmed down and no arrests have been made yet.”