Angry Diepkloof hostel dwellers took to the streets this morning, blocking the roads with burning tyres and rocks. Police and metro cops deployed nyalas to diffuse the situation. This is the second time the residents are protesting in two weeks over the lack of service delivery in the area.

LOOTING

The protests have been marred with looting with trucks driving on N1 and N12 being targeted. During a protest last week, a truck filled with explosives was looted with residents thinking it was polon. On the same day, a milk truck was looted and this morning they looted a truck full of alcohol. Cars belonging to journalists were damaged when protestors pelted the vehicles with stones. and police were also attacked. Speaking to ZiMoja, one of the hostel's indunas Juby Mchunu said he's been residing at the hostel since 1987. He said the living conditions have never changed. "Just recently there was a tremor and I was scared that the walls would cave in on me because of their bad state. They are cracked and filled will holes. When it's windy, I can feel the walls shaking," said Mchunu. Mchunu said they will continue to loot and protest until the government heeds their call as this is the only language they understand. 

NO SERVICES 

Senzo Ngubane, who is also a hostel dweller, said it's been years since they've been waiting for electricity to be installed. "They came here and installed meters but we still don't have electricity. We are connected by izinyokanyoka which is a daily risk for us and our families. The government dumped us here and forgot about us," He said their demands are clear. " We want houses, water and sanitation as well as electricity. They must not come and tell us about rental flats, where will we get the money," The protesters were pushed away by heavy police presence firing rubber bullets.

POLICE MONITORING THE SITUATION

The Johannesburg Metro Police are monitoring the situation. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officers managed to reopen the N12 East and N1 North after dispersing protestors. "There are still some traffic disruptions on Chris Hani Road and Collinder Road in Diepkloof and the N12 exit. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as there is debris on the roadway and avoid Chris Hani Road between Collinder Road and the N12 and to use Immink Drive, Baragwanath Road, Marthinus Smuts or Soweto Highway as alternative routes,' Fihla said. No arrests have been made.