The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has firmly condemned vandalism of public infrastructure along the R550 Heidelberg and Alberton route during ongoing service delivery protests in Ekurhuleni.
Protesters allegedly dug up and destroyed sections of the road near Zonkizizwe and Palm Ridge, forcing authorities to shut the route down.
The department said vandalising road infrastructure is a criminal offence and warned that the damage disrupts emergency services, transport operations and economic activities.
Spokesperson Lesiba Mpya has urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes while repair and restoration work gets underway.
“The department, therefore, calls on community leaders, protest organisers, and residents to pursue lawful and peaceful engagement with government structures in addressing grievances, without endangering lives or damaging infrastructure intended to serve communities.”
Puleng Maake
www.ewn.co.za
