Johannesburg – Protesters have blocked the N12 near the Diepkloof Interchange, where trucks are being looted.
In the early hours of Monday morning, protestors set alight tyres on the road.
While it was not immediately clear what sparked the protest, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police (JMPD) warned motorists to avoid the area.
“Motorists are advised to be aware of the ongoing traffic disruptions caused by protest action at the Diepkloof Interchange in Diepkloof,” said JMPD Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla
“Please be advised that severe traffic delays are being experienced and are expected to worsen in the vicinity of the Diepkloof Interchange and surrounding areas due to the continued road closures.”
The following roads are CLOSED:
- N12 Eastbound and Westbound at the split with the N1.
- N1 Northbound and Southbound at the split with the N12
“Dangerous driving conditions persist near the Diepkloof Interchange due to vehicles making U-turns and travelling against the flow of traffic,” warned Superintendent Fihla.
“Exercise extreme caution in this area.”
Superintendent Fihla said the JMPD is attending to reports of protests, and there are further reports of truck looting.
“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange completely,” said Superintendent Fihla.
“Consider using alternative routes such as Rand Show Road and Golden Highway to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange.
“Please note that these alternative routes are also likely to experience increased traffic volume and delays.
“Plan your journey accordingly and allow for extra travel time.”
The chaos, which culminated in a vehicle crash in the area, continued for several hours until law enforcement officers brought the situation under control.
By midmorning, JMPD reported that the routes previously affected by the earlier protest action at the Diepkloof Interchange in Soweto have been reopened to traffic, and the protesters have been dispersed.
“However, significant delays are anticipated on the N12 West due to the earlier incident involving a truck that was allegedly looted and torched,” the JMPD said.
“Law enforcement officials remain on the scene to manage the situation and conduct investigations.
“Motorists are urged to exercise patience, drive cautiously, and consider alternative routes if possible to avoid the expected congestion on the N12 West.”
