Violence erupted again on Thursday night in Eersterus near Mamelodi, east of Pretoria. A group of residents attacked a local police station and stole a number of items, including a police service pistol.
Police say some of the suspects arrested in the early hours of Friday morning were found in possession of stolen goods and dagga. They will be charged with public violence and theft.
Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili says the situation is under control.
“In the early hours of this (Friday) morning, 16 people were arrested – and 13 of them will be charged for attacking the police station. One was found with dagga, three with stolen items linked to the shops that were looted during the protest in the area. Investigations are continuing, and we are also hoping that we will also recover stolen pistol.”
Meanwhile, City of Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga says the city needs about R90-billion to rebuild old infrastructure in townships, and to install new infrastructure in more than 180 informal settlements in and around Pretoria.
The area has been engulfed by violent protests from residents who demand better housing and improved water and power supply.
Msimanga says they need more capital.
“We’re going to need something like R99-billion in the city to get our infrastructure to be where it needs to be. Now, you’re talking roads, you’re talking storm water drainage, you’re talking sewer systems, you’re talking electricity infrastructure, you’re talking water reticulation plant.”
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