An unknown number of Orange Farm residents were injured in a protest over poor service delivery on Monday, Gauteng police said.
Constable Edwin Ntsheo said an unknown number of people were also arrested during the protest.
Residents burnt tyres and threatened to blockade the Golden Highway in the protest, which started at 2am, said Johannesburg metro police spokesperson Inspector Edna Mamonyane.
”Metro police managed to bring the situation under control and make sure that the highway was not blockaded or that anyone was injured,” she said.
Describing the situation as ”very tense” Mamonyane said metro police would remain on the scene to ensure the safety of motorists.
Ntsheo said community members met with local councillors, community leaders and the provincial government at 10am on Monday to discuss a way forward.
At the meeting residents complained of a lack of a sewage system, toilets, street lights and title deeds for home owners in the settlement. They also said their grievances had not been addressed since 1994.
While other, newer townships were being developed, Orange Farm was not, they said, adding that undertakers and ambulances could drive down the streets between their houses.
Community leaders were reporting back on the meeting to residents at noon on Monday.
Another meeting would be held at 6pm on Tuesday at Itemogeng in Orange Farm, said Ntsheo. – Sapa