Motorists to avoid roads in south of Jhb as protests set to continue
Gauteng Traffic Police warn the strike was expected to impact traffic negatively.
Burning tires block the main road leading into the suburb of Ennerdale, Johannesburg. Residents in the area continued protests today against poor service delivery and lack of housing, which led to confrontations with police. 11 May 2017. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia
Gauteng Traffic Police issued a warning to motorists of a possible massive strike in the south of Johannesburg on Friday.
Police said the following areas were expected to be affected:
- Eldorado Park
- Kliptown
- Lawley
- Finetown
- Ennerdale
- Klipsruit
- Lenasia
- Vlakfontein
- Slovo
- Freedom Park
Police said this was according to an SMS by the organisers of the strike.
Further, police said in a statement that the strike was expected to impact traffic negatively.
Traffic disruptions on the following routes and freeways were anticipated:
- Golden highway
- N1 near Grasmere toll
- N12 between Lenasia and N1/N12 Mudgud interchange
- Union and Main roads in Eldorado Park
- R558, R553 and James road in Ennerdale, Lawley and Finetown.
Police advised motorists to avoid these routes and to be extra vigilant, especially when it was dark.
The statement by the department of community safety and Gauteng Traffic Police further said some bus companies had suspended operations and advised commuters to use alternative transport.
“Gauteng Traffic Police strongly condenm barricading of routes and freeways, looting of shops, pelting of officers with stones and destruction of or damage to property,” the statement read.
“There is heavy police and traffic [police] presence on alert and monitoring. Law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the areas and, so far, more than 70 protestors have been arrested and will appear in court soon.
“We are ready for any eventuality and we will not negotiate law enforcement. Criminal elements and drug lords who have hijacked the protest will be dealt with decisively. Be warned.”
Gauteng Traffic Police further sent their gratitude to residents of Ennerdale who intervened by forming human barricade restraining criminals from torching Ennerdale Primary School and Faith Based Organisations who are calling or praying for calm and peace in Eldorado Park.
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