Motorists and community members are urged to avoid the area surrounding the Princess informal settlement, as roads leading in and out of the area are closed due to a law-enforcement operation in progress.
Captain Juanita Yorke, the Roodepoort Police spokesperson said, “An illegal electricity related operation is being conducted today, 17 July, and members are hard at work to ensure a safe and secure environment for all”. This operation, led by Visible Policing commander, Colonel Nkosi, includes members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the South African National Defence Force who are assisting the City Power employees. This operation will be ongoing throughout the day.
Although the situation is relatively calm at the moment, it can change, as the residents of this informal settlement are known to retaliate during such operations by means of violent protests, which include burning tyres, stoning vehicles, and vandalising properties and buildings in the area.
The road has since been reopened.
