Lesedi Local Municipality mayor’s home torched amid Ratanda unrest

Lesedi Local Municipality Mayor Mluleki Nkosi’s house in Ratanda, Heidelberg east of Johannesburg, has been set on fire following his address to the community members of Ratanda, Friday afternoon.

Lesedi Local Municipality Mayor in Heidelberg, Mluleki Nkosi, blamed ongoing road blockades in Ratanda for delaying the delivery of emergency water tankers.

Nkosi says the tankers are ready but cannot reach affected areas because of a protest by community members, that’s led to them blocking roads leading into the area.

“There will be provisions for water tankers, they are ready but they are being filled up now. They are just waiting for the community to open the roads. As soon as they open the water tankers will come in and give our people water,” says Nkosi.

The demonstrations have entered a third day with residents demanding water after nearly a month without supply.

Two protesters died following clashes with police, while the R549 Vaaldam Road remains blocked and motorists urged to avoid the area.

[LISTEN] Tensions remain high in Ratanda, Heidelberg, where residents are protesting water and electricity shortages. Several were injured, while two protesters have died.

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— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) July 3, 2026