Joburg’s Golden Highway remains closed due to protest action

The Golden highway remains closed as protest action gets under way in Freedom Park, south of Johannesburg, police said Monday morning.

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Public safety spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said protesters had placed rocks and burning tyres on the east and west side of the N12 at the Misgund Interchange, as well as on the Golden Highway, since about 4am on Monday.

“This affected traffic in the direction of Lenasia, as well as Grassmere. Protesters also pelted passing vehicles with stones and damaged a metro police vehicle,” Minnaar said.

“A burnt-out truck was on its side along the N12, and an investigation will be done to establish whether the truck was in an accident or whether the truck was torched. By 7.30am officers managed to reopen N12.”

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However, Minnaar said the Golden Highway was still not safe and was not yet open to traffic.

“Contact will be made with the local councillor to communicate with the community leaders to establish the reasons for the protests.”