Johannesburg - A service delivery protest erupted in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, on Monday morning as informal settlement dwellers took to the streets to demand electricity.
Residents barricaded all main roads with burning tyres, portable toilets and rocks. The affected roads included the R511, R114, R555, and the N14 highway around Diesploot.
Taxis and other modes of public transport were prevented from operating in the area, leaving commuters stranded with no transport to go to work.
Diepsloot is a densely populated, sprawling informal settlement neighbouring the wealthy suburbs of Dainfern and Chartwell.
A spokesperson for Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, said the protest was sparked by demands for electricity.
Minnaar said the protest was not violent but police were monitoring the situation.
"The residents are demanding electricity. The R551 is still closed on the eastern side between Sandton and Pretoria. The R555 is also still affected," Minnaar said.
"But the N14 to Pretoria has just been cleared before 8 am. We hope that in an hour or two we will have all roads cleared."