Johannesburg - Residents of Sophiatown informal settlement in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg protested and barricaded roads on Friday, Ekurhuleni metro police said.

“Birch Acres is a no go area this morning, the whole area has been barricaded and one cannot leave or enter the place,” said spokesman Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago.

“Members of the SA Police Service and metro police officers are at the scene.”

He said the protesters from Sophiatown, next to Birch Acres started burning tyres and placing rocks on the roads at around 3am.

The surrounding Andrew Mapheto and Isimuku Streets have been closed, Kgasago said.

It was not yet known why the residents were protesting.

Sapa