Power has been restored in Alexandra township outside Johannesburg following a three-week protest leading to the death of a woman. The woman who was coming back from work caught a stray bullet when a taxi driver allegedly shot at protestors last night.

ELECTRICITY ISSUE

According to Alexandra residents, the protest began three weeks ago and escalated last week when a community member was arrested for throwing a burning tyre onto the Gautrain near Marlboro. "The people wanted that man to be released because he was arrested for protesting for electricity. It’s been three weeks now since we last had electricity in Alexandra," said Thami Mnguni, who resides on 15th Avenue.

Another resident, Mbali Bhengu, said that the electricity issue is a big problem for residents. "I have to go to work with my clothes unironed. I have to use a paraffin stove to cook. We tried to engage the councillor and City Power but they informed us that their workers are no longer sending their workers here because they are being robbed or assaulted every time they come fix damaged metre boxes," she said.

ELECTRICITY RESTORED

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that the outage in question at the Far East Bank. "Some roads were blockaded, with protesters pelting stones at cars that were driving by. Last night, after supply was restored, we experienced a few episodes of network trips, due to overloading. After the additional work that was done around balancing the load, supply was then reinstated," he said. He added that as long as protests are conducted violently in areas where repairs must be carried out, City Power will not send its technicians and contractors to work in a volatile environment that can put their lives at risk. Our teams have been previously subjected to violence and attacks in the Alexandra area. So, while we respect the right to protest, we condemn violence often muted against our employees," he said.

Mangena said he could not comment on the unfortunate incident surrounding the passing of a woman as City Power was not involved. Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed that a woman, who has not been named, was shot dead during the protest. "We are investigating a murder and attempted murder docket. No one has been arrested at this stage and investigations are continuing," she said.