Coronationville protests: One arrested, teenager shot in the head during water shortage clash

One person has been arrested in Coronationville for public violence and hurling stone at police officers, while a 15-year-old boy has been hospitalised for injuries sustained during the unrest.

This comes after angry residents took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding access to a reliable water supply from the City of Johannesburg’s water utility, Johannesburg Water.

According to reports, the area has been facing water shortages over seven years.

Protesters barricaded roads with burning tyres, stones and garbage, expressing frustration over what they described as a prolonged water crisis. 

Police officers fired rubber bullets and stun grenades in an effort to disperse the rowdy crowds.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest and said police would maintain their presence in the area until the situation stabilises.

“We will be remaining in this area. We’ve deployed our members from public order policing, so we’ll be here until everything is back to normal… So far, we’ve arrested one person for public violence,” Masondo told broadcaster eNCA.

“I remember this started early this morning. Our members responded and found that the protesters had blockaded roads with rocks and burning tyres. As we were removing those, the community started throwing stones at the police,” he said.

Masondo said police used minimum force to restore order.

“We used rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. People have the right to protest, but not to infringe on others’ rights or commit crimes. In situations like this, criminals often take advantage,” he said.

Meanwhile, the teenager is receiving treatment at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital after being shot in the head. 

Several other residents also sustained injuries from rubber bullets.

When asked whether the force used by police was necessary, Masondo said those who were shot had been throwing stones at officers.

“The people we used rubber bullets against were throwing stones at police. We had no choice but to use minimum force - that is, rubber bullets and stun grenades,” he said.

He added that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) had been notified, as required when force is used by police.

“If anyone believes police acted unlawfully, they are welcome to open a case. IPID will investigate further if necessary,” Masondo said.

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Johannesburg Water said the Commando System, which supplies water to Coronationville, is currently under strain.

“The Commando System is constrained due to a combination of higher demand, limited supply, and infrastructure limitations,” the utility said.

“Johannesburg Water is closely monitoring the system and implementing all necessary interventions to ensure optimal water distribution.”

Recovery interventions will include overnight closures of outlets, throttling of direct supply and restricting supply in certain areas to boost water pressure to the Commando Meter, the statement said.

The utility added it remains committed to prioritising repairs for leaks and pipe bursts, and alternative water supply will be coordinated through local ward councillors when needed.

“Further updates will be shared as the system stabilises or when operational changes are implemented,” it said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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