Germiston Home Affairs Office. Image-EMPD.
(The Post News)- Two women who allegedly set the Home Affairs building in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, ablaze are expected to appear before a local magistrate’s court on Thursday morning. Authorities have formally charged the women with public violence and malicious damage to state infrastructure following last week’s violent protest in the area.
The charges relate to a protest that erupted last Tuesday when tensions flared during a court-ordered eviction operation at the Pharoe Park flats. Law enforcement officers, acting on a legal mandate, began removing tenants who had defaulted on rent payments. In response, large groups of residents launched a disruptive protest that quickly escalated into chaos. Protesters allegedly set several fires, including one that severely damaged the Home Affairs building.
During their previous court appearance most residents from Pharoe Park filled the courtroom to show solidarity with the accused. Supporters carried placards and voiced their belief that the women were being framed.
In court, both Dukula and Mbocwana entered formal pleas of not guilty. They also informed the magistrate that they are willing to pay R1,000 each should the court grant them bail. Their legal representatives argued that they pose no flight risk and intend to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
Community leaders have since called for calm and urged residents to respect the legal process. Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has condemned the attack on public infrastructure. It states that such acts of violence hinder essential services and further marginalize vulnerable communities.
The case has drawn national attention, with human rights organizations and housing advocates. It is raising concerns over the scale of the evictions and the conditions that led to such unrest.
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