Reports reaching our desk, has it that angry residents of Tembisa, east of Johannesburg took to the streets on Wednesday morning in a community shutdown.

Motorists have been warned to avoid major routes in the area.

Ekurhuleni metro police department spokesperson Kelebogile Thipa says residents have barricaded roads with burning tyres and debris.

“The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department wishes to urge all road users within the Tembisa area to avoid all major routes as burning tyres and debris are deposited along the road.”

Affected routes include Andrew Mapheto Drive, Reverend RTJ Namane, Sam Molele Drive and Brian Mazibuko Drive.

Thipa says the community is angry at the higher rates implemented by the city.

“The police are closely monitoring the area as protestors will later convene at the Rabasotho Open Space and will then proceed to the OR Tambo government precinct. There are no injuries reported thus far.”