Government saddened by loss of lives during Diepkloof protest, calls for calm

By Akani Nkuna

The government has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of two people during violent housing protests in Diepkloof, Soweto, on Monday.

Demonstrators, angered by the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) failure to develop vacant land, blocked roads, looted trucks, and clashed with police.

Police later raided the hostel in search of stolen goods.

In a statement on Tuesday, Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa, extended condolences to the victims’ families and called for calm as authorities work to address the housing crisis.

“We strongly condemn the violence and looting that took place in Diepkloof and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives. Every life lost under such circumstances is one too many, and we deeply mourn this tragedy,” Mnukwa said.

Mnukwa stressed that demonstrations must remain peaceful and lawful.

She warned that criminal acts,