On Friday, following the death of two community members, the residents of Ratanda near Heidelberg took to the streets protesting against poor water services in the area
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Lesedi Local Municipality Mayor Mluleki Nkosi have expressed their deepest condolences to the grieving families of two Ratanda, Hiedelberg residents killed during a recent water-related service delivery protest in the area.
This week, a swelling crowd of frustrated community members took to the streets, protesting over a month-long water shortages. While demonstrations began a fundamental need for water, the desperation gave way to chaos as tensions boiled over.
Eyewitness accounts and media reports reveal that protesters, wielding stones and setting tyres ablaze, faced a heavy-handed police response that resulted in a tragic loss of life.
Among the deceased is 39-year-old Sipho Motaung, who was shot while gathering with friends in a home nearby the protest. Motaung who was not part of the protest died just days before he had been eagerly preparing for a new job in Secunda.
