#AlexTotalShutdown: Two suspected 'ring leaders' arrested

03 April 2019 - 07:47
By Iavan Pijoos
Alexandra residents took to the streets this morning
Image: Penwell Dlamini Alexandra residents took to the streets this morning

Two suspected "ring leaders" were arrested at the #AlexTotalShutdown on Wednesday morning, the Johannesburg metro police department said.

JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said a small group of protesters was burning tyres on London Road, Vasco Road and 4th Avenue.

Marlboro Road, next to the Sasol filling station, and the Far East Bank road, next to the Gautrain station, had also been blocked by protesters.

Minnaar said officers had dispersed protesters attempting to block the N3 Marlboro and the Old Pretoria main road.

He said traffic in the area had not been heavily affected.

On Monday evening, the ANC in the greater Alexandra region endorsed the shutdown, calling on residents to take part and encouraging a peaceful demonstration.

"No demolitions or burning of already existing government infrastructure and properties (cars, businesses) of our people," the statement read.

The ANC in the region had accused the JMPD and Joburg Water of not "doing anything" to prevent illegal connections on the municipal infrastructure.

"The meters of formal residence are being compromised. JMPD under Mashaba has been reduced to only speed traps and ticket issuing, rather than effective policing of our metro.

"Bylaws are not enforced. JMPD of Mashaba is in a honeymoon."

Zone secretary Banele Sangcozi said the city had failed to cut the grass in the area and that Pikitup was not collecting waste in the township.

"Waste is not regularly picked up. In some instances it is left to pile up in different corners of Alexandra."

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini could not confirm reports that the suspected "ring leader" had been arrested.