Residents of the Siqalo informal settlement have vowed to continue protest action until their grievances are addressed.
But Mitchells Plain residents say they’ve had enough of the violent riots and will fight back.
The riot saw tyres being burnt and petrol bombs being flung at motorists on Tuesday morning and evening, however no cars were damaged and no injuries were reported.
Jakes Gerwel Drive was closed, forcing Mitchells Plain residents to find alternative routes home, resulting in traffic jams.
Several Siqalo residents were protesting for electricity and other basic services from the City of Cape Town after illegal electricity connections were removed over the weekend.
Phindile Maxithi, Mayco member for climate and energy, said the City condemned the violent protests and the criminals who steal krag, as this damaged infrastructure and affected residents on the other side of Jakes Gerwel Drive, from where the power was being stolen.
The area was calm yesterday but Fadiel Adams, a Mitchells Plain resident and the leader of the Cape Coloured Congress, says they are gatvol of the riots as it severely impacts them.
“Every time there is a protest, we have to suffer. One day they are going to injure someone from Mitchells Plain and we do not know what our revenge would be.
“We’re tired and we’ll eventually take action,” he told the Daily Voice.
Siqalo resident Ntombi Ngxongo says all they want is for their basic human rights to be met.
“Those people do not understand our hardships. Look, I have a newborn and we are without electricity. What can we do if we’re not supplied with services?”
Mthandeni Mazembe adds: “We’ll have meetings as community leaders to discuss a way forward. The protest will continue.”