Early morning reports have surfaced stating that students have been marching on Empire Road near Barry Hertzog and Jan Smuts avenues on 9 March.
UPDATE: 12PM
Metro Police have confirmed that students who were protesting this morning in and around Braamfontein and Parktown had dispersed. According to Metro Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla a small group of students were gathering near Wits University’s Yale Road entrance along Empire Road. He stated that no incidents or disturbances to traffic have been reported since the morning protests but they remain on standby.
Caxton Joburg north journalist is on the way back to the scene.
Videos have emerged on social media showing burning tyres and rocks in the road.
JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minnaar has confirmed that as of 7.30am, that the students have moved away from Empire Road and are moving in the direction of Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital.
At 8.57am a journalist on the scene said that Yale Road entrance is clear. There is a police presence. Only postgraduate students, those that live on campus and those with verified letters from the university will be allowed on campus. No visitors nor undergraduates are allowed.
Empire Road/Yale Road JHB.
Under M1 bridge: Protest. pic.twitter.com/5txdqTzmpM— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 9, 2021
This is a developing story and the community is urged to avoid the area near the M1 bridge.
@Radio702 @EWNTraffic they are moving but slowing down traffic pic.twitter.com/lQdAn0E4Zs
— Thembi Manyike (@mamakaonou) March 9, 2021
The empire road closed nothing will happen until our students are registered #Witsasinamali #WitsAsinamali @WitsVuvuzela @METROFMSA @JacaNews @SABCNews @eNCA pic.twitter.com/RBHoSmNiEI
— Wits PYA (@WitsPYA) March 9, 2021