South Africa: Further service delivery protests likely along N12 in southwestern Johannesburg through early August

Event

Further service delivery protests are likely along the N12 highway in southwestern Johannesburg through early August. Residents of the Slovo Park lower-income area have repeatedly blocked the nearby N12 since late July, looting a truck on Aug. 3. The motive for the actions remains unclear; however, it is possibly related to repeated power outages and poor water quality in the area.

Heightened security is likely in the area in the coming days. In the event of protests, road travel disruptions and delays stemming from blockades are likely, especially along the N12 and the nearby N1. Clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or engage in acts of public violence.

Advice

Exercise caution if traveling through the area. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the affected area. Do not drive through protest roadblocks. Heed instructions from authorities.