Downtown Johannesburg rocked by ‘food parcel’ protests

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a section of Eloff Street, between Selby and Rosettenville, in Johannesburg’s city centre, was barricaded by protesters who claimed to have been snubbed by government’s lockdown feeding scheme.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) issued a travel advisory, cautioning motorists and essential commuters to avoid Eloff Street. According to eyewitnesses, frustrated protesters barricaded the road with debris and burning tires, demanding that government answer their hungered calls for food.

Protest action on Eloff Street confirmed by JMPD

JMPD Spokesperson, Wayne Minaar, confirmed the protest action, adding that law enforcement agencies, together with government representatives, were on the scene to address the crowd’s qualms. Minaar said:

“There’s currently a protest on Eloff Street between Selby and Rosettenville and it’s affecting traffic.

 Motorists are advised to avoid that road now because of rocks and burning tyres placed on the road where protestors are complaining after not having received food parcels. Motorists can use Booysens Road as an alternative route.”

This is a developing story – please check back for more updates