By Kaya 959 Reporter
One person was shot during a protest over electricity disconnections in Alexandra.
On Tuesday, Joburg City Power had dispatched its Revenue Protection Service team to the area to conduct an operation of disconnecting illegal electrical connections in Riverpark and London Road.
Accompanied by Metro Police officers, officials set about to conduct their operation when they were approached by irate residents.
It is alleged that groups then tried to loot shops at the Alex Mall however, guards rushed to quell the group.
It is further alleged that a security guard fired shots, hitting a protester who then died in hospital.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the guard has since been arrested, a case of murder opened and his firearm confiscated.
“The police in Gauteng have responded to an incident of murder at Alexandra where the community of Riverpark were protesting after an operation to disconnect illegal electricity connections by City Power and JMPD,” she said.
Muridili confirmed that a 27-year-old man died on arrival at the hospital. She said the firearm will be taken for ballistic testing.
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Illegal connections
The shooting comes a day after a man was burnt to death after trying to break into an electrical substation and stealing parts. City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the man allegedly broke into the substation on 13th Street in Linden to steal parts when the substation caught alight and blew up.
“He was burnt beyond recognition. Emergency services and the police attended the scene which has since been cleared,” Mangena said.
City Power is urging residents to report illegal connections.
If you know or suspect anyone with an illegal water or electricity connection, or notice people tampering with connections, please contact the City immediately at Joburg Connect on 0860 562 874 or 0860-JOBURG, and select the option for City Power.
Alternatively, call the City’s Anti-fraud Hotline 0800 002 587 or City Power’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 003 251.
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