Traffic on Marlboro Drive was brought to a standstill by fiery protests on Thursday, 6 June 2024.
Marlboro Drive protests escalate on Thursday, 6 June 2024
PLEASE NOTE: The third-party content below is shared on our platform for journalistic purposes. Swisher Post, its parent company, partners and affiliates shall not be held liable for any consequence that arises from the journalistic duties performed in sharing this content.
Protests have once again erupted on Marlboro Drive, Johannesburg, leading to road closures and significant traffic delays.
The protests, which began on Wednesday night, have continued into Thursday, with protesters burning tyres and blocking the intersection of Marlboro Drive and Zinnia Drive.
This escalation follows a brief lull after law enforcement initially quelled the unrest on Wednesday evening.
According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the current closure spans from Southway Street to Zinnia Drive, affecting areas in Kelvin and Marlboro Gardens.
The JMPD has reported that the protests are being driven by residents of the Setjwetla, who are expressing their frustration over prolonged power outages that have persisted since Sunday.
In their statement, JMPD emphasised that the situation, while causing traffic disruptions, remains relatively calm.
“Residents of the Setjwetla Informal Settlement are protesting over prolonged power outages, which have been reported since Sunday. The situation is relatively calm despite the closure,” the statement read.
Videos shared on social media captured scenes of burning tyres and debris scattered across the road, with protesters chanting and demonstrating their grievances.
Commuters are advised to avoid Marlboro Drive and use alternative routes.
