Police fire at residents blocking Golden Highway

A policeman was found stabbed to death next to his car in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday night

Police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at residents barricading part of the Golden Highway near Orange Farm during a protest over municipal services today morning, police said.

"Police are monitoring the situation. It seems that they (the residents) are upset with the municipality over water and electricity services," Nthabiseng Mazibuko, a policesuperintendent, said.

No injuries or arrests have been reported. Meanwhile metro police said negotiations with the residents to move their protest away from traffic and the highway were under way.

Wayne Minnaar, the metro police spokesperson, warned motorists to steer clear of the area as rocks and burning tyres had been placed on the highway by the protesters. He said the main road would remain closed until further notice.

Motorists were advised to use the N1 highway, Evaton main road and the Grasmere toll road as alternative routes. - Sapa