SABC News crew robbed while covering protests in Alexandra

A SABC NEWS crew has been robbed of their equipment while covering protests in Alexandra.

The situation has remained volatile in many parts of Johannesburg as sporadic protests and the looting of stores continue.

Several roads have been completely blocked. The affected areas include Malvern, Jeppestown, Denver, Wynburg, Alexandra and the Johannesburg CBD. Motorists, as well as the public, are advised to avoid these areas.

Update on protests in Gauteng:

It’s believed that the protesters are supporters of former president Jacob Zuma, calling for his release.

The situation remains tense in and around Johannesburg at the moment as violent protests continue across the city. Dozens of stores have been looted and torched by demonstrators.

Jules Street in Malvern, the M2 freeway at the Benrose offramp and a number of other roads have been completely blocked off to traffic.

Police officers are out in their numbers re-routing traffic away from the affected areas.

It’s still unclear at this stage how many people have been arrested.

City Power unable to provide services

City Power says the violent protests in Johannesburg have led to a number of their technical teams not being able to provide services this morning. The entity says some teams were withdrawn, due to safety concerns.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena says, “City Power has noticed protest riots in certain areas around Johannesburg which makes it difficult for us to provide services. As an entity, priority is always given to the safety of our employees and contractors, and the equipment. As such a risk assessment was made this morning and a decision was made to withdraw our teams in areas hardest hit by riots, to protect the lives of our teams, including contractors, and the property.”