CoJ on tenterhooks after Diepkloof residents' housing demonstration

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg has said it can't guarantee there won't be more unrest in Diepkloof as residents continue to demand housing.

The warning comes after a violent protest on Monday that left two dead and dozens more injured, as police also raided hostels in search of looted goods.

The streets of Diepkloof were quieter towards the evening of Monday, but the anger is still simmering.

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City officials, led by human settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso, returned to the community to face residents and to explain why their housing demands remained in limbo.

He blamed the delay on a complicated mix of private ownership, saying the vacant land residents want homes built on comes with an R8 million price tag, while the hostel they live in was secretly sold in 2023.

But when EWN asked whether more protests could erupt, the MMC struggled to find the words.

The city said it cannot rule out the possibility of further unrest.

"It can't be me saying that no, they're fine, we were all in the meeting, we gave them an opportunity to engage, we gave them an opportunity, but I addressed this in the meeting."

Police remain visible in the area, continuing to interview residents and recover stolen goods after Monday's looting.