THOUSANDS of motorists were left stranded when a protest broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Smoke was seen rising into the sky as scores of residents from Waldrift, just outside Vereeniging in the Vaal, barricaded the R82 with burning tyres, rocks and rubbish.
Numbers of cops were sent to the area to stabilise the situation and stop protesters from vandalising municipal property. The protest was sparked by news of a deadline for the installation of electricity smart meters in the area.
Although installation had already started, the majority of residents refused to allow the process to continue and vowed not to pay.
A community leader said: “We were never consulted about the installation of these devices.
We previously sent a memorandum to the council and they responded by giving us directions on how to send memorandums and follow legislation.”
A concerned resident told the SunTeam the smart meters were too expensive.
“We told them we don’t want the smart meters because the billing is too high, but they just went ahead anyway.”
Nomvula Thulo, MMC for basic services, arranged a meeting between the community and the Emfuleni Municipality for late yesterday.
Acting municipal spokeswoman Anita Sehlabo said: “When we started installing the meters last year, public participation meetings were held with residents.
The area has many illegal connections, which is why we are installing the meters.”
Mayor Mahole Mofokeng was due to address residents yesterday.
Provincial police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubela said 6 people were arrested and warned motorists.