The N12 highway near Soweto was completely closed to traffic on Wednesday afternoon following what authorities are describing as an “active” crime scene.
UPDATE: Information reaching us after this article was published indicates the incident was, indeed, a shooting, which ended in two fatalities and victim critically injured and rushed to hospital for live-saving treatment. After working the scene, the N12 highway was reopened with a significant presence of law enforcement. Motorists are urged to practice caution driving on the route, particularly those headed eastbound, just before Klipspruit Valley Road in Soweto.
N12 highway full closure: Here’s what we know
The closure took place around Klipspruit Valley Road, affecting drivers heading toward Johannesburg.
Gauteng law enforcement officials have not yet released full details about what happened. However, multiple alerts from traffic and safety networks have warned motorists to stay away from the area.
According to an update from SaferCitySolutions, a group that monitors urban safety issues, police were present at the scene from around midday, and the closure remained in place hours later.
“We have received reports of an active scene on the N12 towards Johannesburg, shortly before Klipspruit Valley Rd, Soweto. Avoid the area and use alternate routes. Law Enforcement are on scene,” SaferCitySolutions posted at 12:52 on Wednesday.
Later in the afternoon, at 16:28, the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC), which coordinates safety efforts between various police units, confirmed that the road closure was still in effect. They encouraged drivers to take other routes while the investigation continued.
Although there is no official confirmation yet, early information shared informally suggests the incident may have involved a shooting. This claim has not been verified by the South African Police Service (SAPS). We’ve have reached out to SAPS for clarification, but no response had been provided at the time of writing.
A crime scene refers to any location where a suspected crime has taken place and where police are gathering evidence. When a scene is described as “active,” it means that police are still investigating on site and that it may still pose a danger or be sensitive to public interference.
Closures like this are put in place not only to allow police to work without interruption, but also to keep the public safe in case of ongoing danger. In this case, the full closure of a major highway like the N12 has caused significant disruption to traffic in the Soweto area.
For now, motorists are being told to remain patient and avoid the N12 near Klipspruit Valley Road until law enforcement clears the area and confirms it is safe to reopen.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow once authorities confirm what exactly led to the closure.
