Protests calm down after evictions at Pharoe Park, Germiston

By Johnathan Paoli

The City of Ekurhuleni has maintained that, despite ongoing protests, removals are proceeding in line with a June 26 court order targeting hundreds of residents accused of rent default or unlawful occupation of units.

Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said that the evictions form part of a wider urban renewal initiative aimed at reclaiming hijacked buildings.

“Running up and down and allowing these things to happen contributes to lawlessness. Communities are in full support of restoring order,” he said.

Violent protests erupted in Germiston’s CBD on Tuesday morning as tensions over mass evictions at Pharoe Park boiled over into clashes with police, extensive property damage, and the torching of the local Department of Home Affairs office on President Street.

Emergency services responded swiftly as thick smoke billowed from the gutted upper floor of the Home Affairs building.

Police confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the