N12 shut in both directions as Lenasia protest sparks traffic chaos

The N12 freeway has been closed in both directions between Abu Baker Asvat Drive and Klipspruit Valley Road in Lenasia following a service-delivery protest, causing severe traffic congestion and delays for motorists during the Monday morning commute.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said officers had been deployed to manage traffic and divert motorists away from the affected section of the freeway, according to The Citizen.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the exact grievances behind the demonstration had not been confirmed, although the protest was believed to be linked to service-delivery issues.

The N12 highway is completely closed due to Protest action in both directions between Abu Baker Asvat Drive and K43 Klipspruit Valley Road in Lenasia.

#KayaNews #KayaTraffic #Protest JJ https://t.co/wd0gAyTp1d

Kaya News (@KayaNews) October 19, 2026

“The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department warns motorists of an ongoing service delivery protest that has completely closed the N12 freeway in both directions between Abu Baker Asvat Drive and K43 Klipspruit Valley Road in Lenasia,” Fihla said.

Motorists have been urged to avoid the affected interchanges and use alternative routes, including the R554 (Nirvana Drive), Golden Highway (R553), Chris Hani Road, Main Road through Soweto and Eldorado Park, and Impala Road.

Fihla said police were working to contain the crowds and reopen the freeway, while warning motorists to exercise caution.

The duration of the closure and the time the affected stretch would reopen remained unclear.

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Words: Betha Madhomu / African Insider

Picture: Pixabay / African Insider