By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The N12 at Lenasia is closed in both directions between Abu Baker Asvat Drive and the K43 Klipspruit Valley Road due ongoing service delivery protests.
Residents of Nana’s Farm Informal Settlement have been protesting over service delivery issues.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the situation remained tense.
“Police are on the scene and have managed to contain the protesting crowds, and are in the process of reopening the freeway,” he said.
“The closure is causing significant traffic disruptions in the area, with motorists diverting from these closures onto alternative routes, including Impala Road, Protea Boulevard, and Wildchestnut Street in Protea Glen, as well as R554 and Golden Highway in Lehae and Olifantsvlei.
“Motorists are advised to exercise caution and consider using alternative routes such as R554 Nirvana Drive, Golden Highway, K43 Klipspruit Valley Road, Main Road in Eldorado Park, Impala Road, and Chris Hani Road through Soweto.”
Meanwhile the bail proceedings for Gauteng nurse Sithembile Xulu were rolled over to Tuesday due to a service delivery protest on the N12.
The Lenasia magistrate’s court postponed the hearing and several other cases as the transportation of prisoners to court was disrupted by demonstrators from Nana’s Farm informal settlement, who barricaded a section of the road.
Xulu and her gardener Simon Mogale are charged with murder, fraud and defeating the ends of justice. The matter was rolled over in absentia.
She is accused of orchestrating the murder of her 21-year-old domestic worker Busiswa Nxumalo to allegedly cash in R6m from three life policies. The two allegedly murdered Nxumalo in January 2022 by slitting her throat. Her body was found at a dumpsite not far from Xulu’s previous home in Lenasia South.