Coronationville residents plan to take legal action against alleged police brutality

Residents of Coronationville and neighbouring Westbury have accused police of using excessive force during protests over the ongoing water crisis.

Community members say they are “tired of being treated like dogs” after police allegedly fired rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, injuring several people, including an elderly resident and a five-year-old child.

Residents have vowed to lay criminal charges against the officers involved.

Frustrated residents returned to the streets for a second consecutive day, blocking roads and demanding urgent intervention from the national government to resolve the persistent water shortages they claim have persisted for more than seven years.

Visibly frustrated community leader, Melissa Davis, says residents are still without water and are struggling to meet their most basic daily needs.

“Why does it take so long for government officials to come to us? Why do they first respond with violence, guns and persecution? We don’t want more bullets; we are injured enough, we don’t even want the media, but I want to thank the media because they were our only voice,” she said.

Provincial police commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, says at least eight people have been arrested in relation to the chaos.

He also urged SAPS members to refrain from using force, while calling on residents to work with police to prevent further clashes.

He has also pleaded with the community to work hand in hand with police officers to prevent clashes.

“Critically, if we can make sure that emergency vehicles are not blocked, so that they can have access to help you, the community, otherwise we are going to have a problem.”

Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, is currently in talks with community members over the ongoing water crisis. He is expected to brief the media later this afternoon.