Orange Grove protesters demand service delivery and housing, motorists have been advised to approach Louis Botha Avenue with caution

Update, 11 April, 8.45am

Local schools in the area, are aware of the protest action regarding service delivery in Orange Grove. They have advised parents to approach the area with caution, the affected roads by the protest action are 9th Street, 6th Avenue, 4th Avenue and Louis Botha.

Joburg Police East Cluster spokesperson Captain Richard Munyai said about 40 protesters have blocked 1st Avenue, “Not much disruptions, no arrests yet.”

Update, 11 April 8am

Ward 72 councillor Eleanor Huggett said that protest action on Louis Botha Avenue is now clear, “The protest is due to the issue of the JPC houses in the area which have been allegedly occupied illegally. ” Huggett said illegal occupants were issued an eviction order about three weeks ago and this could be the main reason behind the strike. She also condemned the protest saying it’s a waste of state resources especially police resources.

Some media reports have reported that the protest action has moved into local schools near Louis Botha Avenue, motorists have been advised to approach the area with caution and find alternative routes.

Initial report, 11 April, 7.30am

A group of about 50 protesters in Orange Grove gathered in the early hours this morning to bring the area to a standstill to protest for service delivery and housing.

The protesters were met with heavy police presence, as MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun said on his social media that Metro police were on the scene to maintain peace and order.

Protesters attempted to block roads and burn material, Gauteng Provincial spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said the situation is calm, “There are only about 50 to 60 protesters, they want to hand a memorandum to the local councillor, they protesting for service delivery and housing.” he added that the protesters allegedly live in back rooms.

This is a developing story, more updates to follow.