Protests rock S/Africa ahead of no-confidence vote on Zuma
Protesters on Tuesday blocked the roads and disrupted traffic in parts of South Africa ahead of the no-confidence vote against President Jacob Zuma.
They blocked roads using rocks and burning tyres from as early as 4 am in parts of Gatueng province.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) confirmed the protests.
The police said the protests were related to the motion of no- confidence in President Zuma, set to take place in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
Bus services were disrupted by blockades‚ hours ahead of the crucial vote in parliament.
The biggest bus operator in Johannesburg tweeted: “Rea Vaya buses are not operating this morning due to road blockages in Soweto. Passengers will be updated on the situation during the day.”
Affected areas in Johannesburg and Pretoria include Soweto, Zandspruit, Booysens, Turffontein, Soshanguve, Atteredgeville and Mamelodi.
JMPD spokesperson Wayne Minaar urged motorists to exercise caution as protesters had blocked some roads in the city.
“Soweto and Turffontein residents burnt tyres and blockaded streets from around 4am on Tuesday morning. Roads leading from the Soweto highway have been blocked,” said Mr Minnaar.
Johannesburg member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Michael Sun said that the protests were not approved by the city and were thus illegal.
“We received reports yesterday that political parties will be holding protest marches; some are peaceful and have displayed placards over the bridges but others are violent, with protesters burning tyres and blocking roads. This is creating chaos in our city,” Mr Sun said in a statement.
He said they were concerned that the protesters were blocking roads and causing traffic jams.
“We are calling on motorists to take alternative routes but they should be careful because the debris from the protests still lies on the roads,” he said.
Read more: Africa Review
