At least three dead, 17 arrested in eMalahleni electricity protest
Mpumalanga police have confirmed that at least three people, including two children, have been shot and killed during violent community protests in eMalahleni.
Protestors blocked all lanes in both directions of the N4 this week, demanding electricity.
Police say five trucks have been torched, as well as three cars and a police van.
The local radio station Emalahleni FM was also vandalised, and its computers were stolen.
Police spokesperson Donald Mdluli says two of the victims were children.
"There have been three males who were unfortunately fatally shot, two amongst them are minors and there are three charges of murder being investigated. The situation is calm but tense, however, police have heightened visibility in the area.
"Since the beginning of the protest a total of 17 people have been arrested and charged with public violence, they will appear in court soon. The Vosman police station is operating and the N4 has been reopened for traffic for now."
On Thursday the Emalahleni Mayor Connie Nkalintshana was attacked by the angry residents who accused her of belittling them.
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