Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has arrived in Thembisa to address protesting residents.

The residents are protesting against electricity tariff hikes.

Disgruntled community members went on the rampage, barricading roads with rocks and burning tyres.

In April, Eskom increased its electricity tariffs by close to 13% and municipal customers saw an 11.32% increase starting from July 1.

Several vehicles, including a minibus taxi, have been damaged.

One protesting resident says, “We had asked for the Mayor to come yesterday to talk to us. He decided not to come, he sent other people instead. We cannot talk with other people. We want the Mayor straight, he never pitched up, that’s the reason people decided to do this. At least if he comes today, he would see that there is action and that we are prepared. Because without action, nothing will happen.”

VIDEO | Police fire rubber bullets at protesting Thembisa residents: