South Africa: Protests erupt in south Johannesburg suburbs September 28

Event

Protesters reportedly blocked roads in the southern Johannesburg suburbs of Lawley, Lenasia South, and Ennerdale on Monday, September 28, amid demonstrations over land rights. Several routes, including the K43 and Old Lawley roads, were reported to have been blocked by burning tires and other debris from around 01:30 (local time) on Monday morning. Police officers have since been deployed to the area but it remains unclear whether the roads have been cleared and officials have instructed motorists to use alternative routes.

The protests come following several operations to clear properties built illegally on public land in the suburbs in recent months.

Residual disruptions are likely in the vicinity of Lawley, Lenasia South, and Ennerdale in the near term and there remains a realistic possibility of further unrest over land rights issues in the coming days.

Advice

Those in Johannesburg are advised to avoid the Lawley, Lenasia South, and Ennerdale area in the immediate term and seek alternative routes where necessary. Travelers should monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and heed any directives issued by local authorities.