Situation stays peaceful in Diepsloot on Thursday evening

On Thursday evening, the atmosphere in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, remained peaceful, with no signs of protest action.

Following many killings and robberies in the region, a large number of unhappy people have been protesting forcefully since Tuesday night.

After being accused of being in the country illegally, one person was slain by a mob of enraged residents on Wednesday night.

To preserve tranquility, a substantial police force has been sent to the area.

Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police, and Aaron Motsoaledi, the Minister of Home Affairs, are expected to visit the township on Friday.

“We’re going to have a meeting tomorrow (Friday),” said community leader Sicelo Shezi. So we asked the people to hold off until that meeting, and then we’d proceed from there. Because there were great discussions with the minister of police and the premier, and they pledged to bring TRT to the Diepsloot neighborhood to assure its safety.”

VIDEO: Diepsloot residents speak out:

Meanwhile, Xolani Fihla, a spokeswoman for the Johannesburg Metro Police, has warned motorists in Diepsloot to be cautious owing to rocks and debris on multiple roads as a result of Wednesday’s protest activity.

“The situation in Diepsloot is relatively peaceful and quiet today,” Fihla explains. Although no reports of disruptions or disturbances have been received, police are on high alert and will be patrolling the region and major highways such as the R51, N14, and summit road. When driving in the area, motorists should exercise caution.”

Below is a picture gallery of scenes in Diepsloot on Wednesday: