* Editor's note: This article is updated each time new information becomes available.
JOHANNESBURG - Motorists are warned to avoid the R21 highway in Ekurhuleni due to an ongoing protest by police officers.
The protest is linked to salary adjustments and overtime cuts.
Several other highways, including the N12 and N17, are also affected.
The protest has also affected the N3 southbound in the Vosloorus area.
A memorandum of demands -- which eNCA has seen -- shows some of the employees' grievances.
Among those are salary adjustments, overtime which has been capped and unfair labour practices.
The memorandum argues that EMPD officers work 24 days per month with less rest and lower salaries, placing them at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in neighbouring municipalities.
Protest action on R21 Southbound between Bapsfontein Rd & OR Tambo I/C. Heavy delays.
Apparently EMPD blocking freeways. pic.twitter.com/yNgp9HfDYA— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 19, 2025
The employees are demanding a response to their grievances from the Mayor, City Manager, and relevant department heads within seven days.
Meanwhile, the City of Ekurhuleni noted with concern the ongoing protest, dabbing it as being illegal.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini condemned the ongoing protest, adding that they are engaging with law enforcement to resolve the matter swiftly.
"Preliminary indications suggest that the illegal strike is related to the recent reduction in overtime allocations from EMPD officers.
"These reductions form part of the city's broader financial sustainability strategy aimed at ensuring responsible fiscal management and efficient service delivery," he said.
City Of Ekurhuleni (COE) disruption By Ekurhuleni Municipality Police Department (EMPD) Personnel https://t.co/Fdq92unSfb #ArriveAlive #Protests @City_Ekurhuleni pic.twitter.com/LkbqhY8vqo
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 19, 2025