Police have arrested 15 suspects linked to violent protests in Ratanda, south of Heidelberg, where residents have been demonstrating over prolonged water shortages.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Gauteng police have arrested 15 people for public violence following days of unrest in Ratanda over water and electricity shortages, while investigations continue into the torching of the Lesedi Local Municipality mayor's home.
The unrest erupted on Wednesday as residents protested against ongoing water supply disruptions, with many households reportedly left without a reliable supply from Rand Water for weeks.
Demonstrators blocked roads in the early hours of Wednesday, demanding urgent intervention from authorities.
The protests later spread to other parts of the community, prompting the deployment of a large police contingent as tensions escalated.
During the unrest, the home of Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi was set alight by protesters.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that 15 suspects had been arrested.
“Police have arrested 15 suspects in connection with incidents of public violence during the unrest in Ratanda.”
She said no arrests had yet been made in connection with the torching of the mayor's house.
“At this stage, no arrests have been made in connection with the burning of the Executive Mayor’s house. Investigations into the arson incident are ongoing, and police are following up on all available leads.”
Muridili said police remain deployed in the area to maintain law and order and continue investigating all criminal acts committed during the unrest.
The protests have allegedly claimed the lives of two people, although police have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Meanwhile, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has condemned the violence, including the torching of the mayor's home and the reported loss of life.
SALGA president Bheke Stofile said while communities have a constitutional right to protest, criminal acts cannot be justified.
“While communities have a constitutional right to protest and express their dissatisfaction with service delivery, violence, intimidation, arson and other criminal acts have no place in a democratic society. Such actions endanger lives, destroy public and private property, and ultimately undermine the very service delivery improvements that communities seek.”
SALGA spokesperson Motaletale Modiba said the organisation continues to advocate for constructive engagement between municipalities and residents.
“Residents are encouraged to utilise established channels of communication and public participation to raise their concerns, while municipalities must prioritise transparent and regular communication on service delivery challenges, planned interventions and progress in resolving these challenges.”
He called on all spheres of government to work together to resolve the community's grievances.
“Calm and restraint are needed from all parties to create an environment conducive to dialogue and sustainable solutions.”
Modiba also extended condolences to the families of the two people reported to have died during the unrest.
“Sadly, reports indicate that two lives have already been lost as a result of the violent protests. SALGA conveys its heartfelt condolences to their families.”
He urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the deaths and all criminal acts committed during the protests.
Modiba said data from SALGA's Municipal Violence Incident Reporting System recorded more than 400 incidents of violence against municipalities between 2000 and 2026, ranging from threats and property damage to assaults and killings.
“This underscores the urgent need to strengthen law enforcement capacity to prevent and respond to such incidents,” he added.
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