Zandspruit informal settlement in northern Johannesburg was calm on Friday morning after a night of violent protests, metro police said.
Rocks and other objects were still strewn across Beyers Naude Drive, and the road was partially open, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.
“Last night was tense, but there was a large police presence monitoring the situation.”
He could not confirm reports that protesters opened fire on security guards with live ammunition on Thursday night.
Motorists were advised to use the N14 and Hendrik Potgieter as alternatives.
On Tuesday night, protesting residents began blocking roads with burning tyres, threw stones at passing vehicles, and looted a petrol station shop. One resident told News24 that the protest was sparked by Eskom unexpectedly cutting their electricity connections.
Police fired rubber bullets and teargas at protesters.
A liquor store and other shops were damaged in looting and several cars were burnt out on Thursday night. Jacaranda FM journalist Maryke Vermaak tweeted that protesters assaulted a delivery man and stole his motorbike.
Police had so far arrested and charged 12 people for public violence. Seven police officers were injured and a number of women and children were treated after being exposed to teargas.
Source: News24
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