Community protest brings R59 highway to standstill as trucks set alight
Three trucks were set alight when protesters from Pills Farm Informal Settlement blocked the R59, prompting a police manhunt for suspects.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, June 11, Kliprivier police officers on routine visible patrols encountered a group of residents from the nearby informal settlement known as Pills Farm.
At approximately 04:10, the group was found attempting to barricade the R59 highway between Joan and Heidelberg roads. During the unrest, three trucks were set alight.
According to police, the first truck was transporting PVC pipes, the second was empty and en route to the Johannesburg Market to collect produce, and the third was carrying steel plates. All three vehicles were destroyed in the fire.
The Public Order Policing Unit was dispatched to the scene, and traffic was brought to a standstill while officers worked to stabilise the situation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Police remain on high alert and are closely monitoring the area while actively searching for those responsible.
Law enforcement has issued a strong warning to the public.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and maintaining law and order. Community members must understand that nobody is above the law,” said Kliprivier SAPS in a statement.
An investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
