A tragic incident occurred in Soweto when a fatal accident claimed the lives of two people, including a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer, amidst the chaos of a taxi operators’ protest. The protests have brought Soweto to a standstill, with taxi operators blocking key roads in a long-standing dispute over routes that has been simmering for over a decade.
The deadly crash happened as the JMPD officers were en route to respond to a shooting incident related to the protest. The accident, involving five people, resulted in two fatalities. One of the officers sustained serious injuries, while the other tragically passed away. Two other individuals were injured, and one passenger also succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the details, urging motorists to avoid certain routes in Soweto due to the ongoing protest and roadblocks. He specifically recommended using alternative roads like Chris Hani Road, Soweto Highway, and Moroka Nancefield Road to avoid the severe traffic disruptions caused by the protest.
Key Routes to Avoid:
- Mofolo Central: Machaba Drive near Elias Motsoaledi Road is blocked, causing major delays.
- Orlando West: The intersection of Klipspruit Valley Road, Khumalo Road, and Sofasonke Street is also blocked, with significant traffic diversions on Xorile Street and Martha Louw Street.
Fihla advised all drivers to exercise extreme caution and, if possible, avoid these areas entirely as the protest continues to disrupt daily life in Soweto. JMPD officers are on-site, assisting with traffic management and ensuring the safety of motorists in these high-risk areas.
