Government has expressed regret over two deaths during a violent service delivery protest in Diepkloof, Soweto, on Monday. The two people died when angry residents blocked roads and looted a truck.
The residents accuse the City of Johannesburg of failure to develop vacant land in the area.
In a statement sent to the media this morning, GCIS Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa says they acknowledge the rights of all South Africans. She, however, says the rights do not extend to criminality.
“‘Government has called on all citizens to exercise their rights responsibly, and to uphold the values of democracy, dialogue and mutual respect, citing that violent acts and destruction of property not only weaken the legitimacy of genuine causes but also threaten the safety and livelihoods of innocent members of the community,” Mnukwa explains.
Two dead in violent Diepkloof protest
Govt offers condolences, condemns Diepkloof violence
pic.twitter.com/ybSP3DjeSM— Polity.org.za (@PolityZA) May 20, 2025
