Taxi drivers block off Pritchard Street, Albertina Sisulu Street and Simmons Street

Edna Mamonyane, spokesperson for Metro police has confirmed that taxi drivers have blocked off roads around the Gauteng MEC of Transport, Dr Ismail Vadi’s offices in Johannesburg.

https://twitter.com/Mphophaka/status/883260718098907136

#AATrafficJHB Central Johannesburg TAXI PROTEST at Simmonds Street – EXPECT DELAYS in the area Simmonds Street – Both Ways

— MyAATraffic (@MyAATraffic) July 7, 2017

According to sources at the scene the taxi drivers were planning on holding Vadi hostage.

Mamonyane has urged motorists to avoid Pritchard, Lovedale, Albertina Sisulu and Simmons Road near Helen Joseph Hospital. She was, however, unable to confirm the reason for the march.

Metro police spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar said that since receiving a call about 40 minutes ago, more officers have been deployed to Simmonds Street. Minnaar said Simmonds Street has been blocked off by taxis.

The South African National Taxi Council on 15 June embarked on a protest against what it called high minibus taxi purchase costs, causing a gridlock in Midrand. Taxi drivers started blocking off roads leading to the highway from the early hours of the morning.

The association planned a national strike on 12 July, that has since reportedly been called off.

This is a developing story, more details to follow.

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