Motorists are urged to avoid Klipspruit Valley Road (K43) in Lenasia after a community protest over prolonged power outages led to the closure of the road this afternoon, 16 July.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the road has been blocked between Bangalore Street and Vaal Street, near the Them’belihle Informal Settlement.
Fihla added that the roadway was barricaded with “burning tyres, rocks, and debris” as residents protested ongoing electricity outages. “The community is protesting over power outages in the area. It is alleged that they have been without electricity for the past four days.”
JMPD officers are on the scene monitoring the protest, while Public Order Policing (POPS) has been called in to assist with crowd management.
“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid this area. If you must travel near the vicinity, please exercise extreme caution and expect delays,” Fihla said.
To bypass the closure on Klipspruit Valley Road between Bangalore Street and Vaal Street, motorists are advised to use the Golden Highway (R553), Nirvana Drive (R554), or Walter Road, particularly those travelling from the Lawley and Ennerdale areas.
Authorities said officers will remain on site to monitor the situation and assist with directing traffic while the protest continues.
