Videos: Ekurhuleni highways reopen after illegal metro police strike
The N12 and other key highways in Ekurhuleni are now clear after EMPD officers blocked routes during an illegal strike over reduced overtime hours.
The N12 highway is now clear following this morning’s traffic disruption caused by protest action involving Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) members.
Benoni City Times reports that EMPD spokesperson Thabiso Makgato confirmed other cleared highways include the N17, R21, N3, and R24.
City of Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini condemned the illegal strike, which caused significant disruptions on key arterial routes.
“We strongly condemn this unlawful protest action, as it compromises public safety and disrupts the daily commute of thousands of residents and visitors. The city is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to resolve the situation swiftly. Motorists are urged to exercise patience, seek alternative routes where possible, and remain vigilant.”
Dlamini apologised for the inconvenience and assured residents that the city is committed to restoring normal traffic flow and stability as soon as possible.
EMPD officers blocked various routes and highways in Ekurhuleni with their patrol vehicles, leaving motorists stranded and frustrated, reportedly due to reduced overtime hours.
Kathorus Mail reports that the City of Ekurhuleni has expressed grave concern over the ongoing illegal strike action involving EMPD members.
The strike, which was not approved under the city’s Section 205 regulations, caused severe disruptions across key arterial routes, affecting thousands of road users.
Dlamini said EMPD officials who participated in the strike and failed to report for duty will face disciplinary action.
The strike particularly impacted busy routes such as the R24 Westbound, between the OR Tambo and Electron interchanges, and the N3 Northbound, between Heidelberg and Elands, leading to significant traffic delays.
“The city has opened an investigation into the strike as the protesters did not file any formal documentation with us. Everyone who participated and abused the city’s resources will face the music,” Dlamini said.
Watch the videos:
@albertonrecord *EMPD strike Road CLosure GP* Motorists have been advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the following areas due to current traffic disruptions caused by the EMPD strike N12 Springs/Dayveton off ramp direction Johannesburg R21 between R23 and R25 N17 (Carnival) R21 (Benoni Off-ramp) N12 (between Putfontein and Kingsway Off-ramp) R24 Gillooleys Interchange (N12, R24) NORTHERN REGION – GP: ORTIA / R 21 – Not confirmed, as there was different idea about – R: R21-South, then join N12-West, N3-South at Giloolys Interchange, Off-Ramp at M2-East Geldenhuys Interchange, Into Germiston EASTERN REGION – GP: R51 (Kingsway Rd) near Modderbee Prison – R: N12-West, then N3-South at Giloolys Interchange, Off-Ramp at M2-East Geldenhuys Interchange, Into Germiston SOUTHERN REGION – GP: Vosloorus CCC – R: N3-North (Johannesburg Direction), Off-Ramp at M2-East Geldenhuys Interchange, Into Germiston 19/03/2025 – 08:21 [03/19, 08:28] *Update – 🟧 Protest* – R21 South, Gauteng 19 March 2025 – 08h20 Reports that this protest is affecting multiple highways around Ekhuruleni. These include but not limited to the N12 and N17
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