By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and South African Police Services (Saps) are monitoring the situation in Diepkloof, Soweto following volatile protest action.
Protestors outside the Diepkloof hostel caused major traffic disruptions on the N1 north and N12 east from Freedom Park, Soweto on Monday.
They burnt tyres on Chris Hani Road to give voice to their anger over what they say are prolonged electricity outages in the area.
The protest lead to heavy traffic delays on the N1 North and the N12 East near the Diepkloof interchange.
Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla has urged motorists to avoid the N1 North, and the N12 East split at the interchange.
“Officers have been dispatched and motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution. Rather avoid that route and use the Golden Highway and Beyers Naude Drive in Diepkloof as alternative routes.”
Protesters also looted and torched a truck transporting milk on the highway on Monday morning.
Fihla urged motorists to exercise caution, avoid the area and use the Golden Highway or Ben Naude Drive in Diepkloof as alternative routes.