JMPD Clashes With Lenasia Residents Over Illegal Water Connections

A tense standoff erupted on Tuesday between Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers and residents in Lenasia South, resulting in reported injuries and heightened tensions in the area. The conflict arose as Johannesburg Water undertook the removal of illegal water connections in Phumlamqashi.

Uninformed Cuts Spark Violence

According to local reports, residents claimed they were not informed of the impending water cuts. Angered by the sudden disconnection, they began hurling stones at officers, prompting a response of rubber bullets from the police.

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Authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of injuries; however, a local ANC branch secretary indicated that four individuals had been treated. Superintendent Xolani Fihla, JMPD spokesperson, announced that a case of public violence will be opened at the Lenasia police station. No arrests have been made at this stage. Consequently, Johannesburg Water halted the operation and left the area.

Escalation and Looting

The unrest extended to the Golden Highway, where delivery trucks from a nearby cash and carry bulk supplier were looted, scattering items across the highway. Law enforcement and private security personnel responded in large numbers to manage the situation, which remains tense.

The highway was temporarily closed due to burning tyres but has since been reopened. A nearby shopping centre remains shut in fear of further looting.

Golden Highway, Lenasia South.

Unrest. Looting also.#CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/wJIsx5Fwla

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 12, 2024

Continued Tensions

Despite the ongoing tensions, it is understood that some negotiations may be underway. Residents on either side of the road have been quick to pick up rocks if officers approach, maintaining a wary standoff.

Water Supply Concerns

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala explained that Phumlamqashi was initially serviced by water tanks. However, due to ongoing land invasions and illegal water connections, these tanks were vandalised, placing additional strain on the local water supply network. Shabalala stated, “Johannesburg Water plans to disconnect all unauthorised connections in the area and restore water tank services for essential water provision.”

Police disperse residents of Phumlamqashi near Lenasia after they blocked the exit from the informal settlement when Joburg Water disconnected illegally connected water in the area. @SowetanLIVE pic.twitter.com/0f7s1RQsM2

— Thuls 🇮🇹 (@ttmbele) November 12, 2024

Resident Reactions

Residents have expressed frustration over the situation. Vusi Nkomo admitted to connecting illegally to the water system but argued that it was a necessity due to long periods without water. “We don’t deny that we connected to the water system illegally, we were forced due to the situation of not having water for long periods,” he said.

Another resident, Jerom Ngwenya, criticised the local councillor for failing the community and called for the intervention of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero.

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“We don’t want to engage with the councillor because she has failed to give us our basic right to water. We want to be addressed by the mayor or the water minister [Pemmy Majodina] herself on tangible solutions or even alternative proposals to the water challenges in this area,” Ngwenya said.

Residents of Phumla Mqashi in Lenasia say Johannesburg Water should have notified them before disconnecting their illegal supply. They say they don’t agree with the lawful disconnection. Newzroom Afrika’s @sholwana_z has more.

Watch: https://t.co/ks5NnKB6pA#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/jUujWr80QY

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 12, 2024

Official Response

Authorities are yet to comment on the ongoing situation. SurgeZirc SA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available.

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