Protesters blockade roads over illegal electricity connections in south Johannesburg

Motorists have been warned to avoid parts of Ennerdale, Finetown and Lenasia South after protesters barricaded Provincial Road and the K43 with burning tyres and rocks on Monday morning.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said the protest action was ongoing as of 06:50 on 14 September, with both roads completely blocked.

According to information gathered at the scene, residents are allegedly protesting over illegal electricity connections in the area and demanding urgent intervention from City Power and other municipal stakeholders to remove the illegal infrastructure.

JMPD officers have been deployed to monitor the situation and divert traffic.

Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid the affected routes where possible, as the situation remains tense.

Alternative routes include Golden Highway, with motorists advised to divert via Wimbledon or Cosmos streets to bypass the K43 blockades.

Motorists travelling north or south can also use the N1 freeway, entering or exiting at the Grasmere Toll Plaza or R558 interchange.

Traffic approaching from Lenasia can use the R558 and Walter Road towards Lawley and Ennerdale.

The JMPD warned motorists to expect major delays on secondary routes connecting Lenasia South, Finetown and Ennerdale.

Motorists have been urged not to attempt to drive through barricades or approach burning structures and to follow directions and detours provided by JMPD officers.

Further updates will be issued once the roads have been cleared and declared safe for traffic.