A Diepkloof hostel electricity protest in Soweto blocked the N12 east and N1 north highway at the Diepkloof Interchange on Saturday morning, with two trucks looted as residents demonstrated against ongoing power supply problems. JMPD and SAPS public order policing units were deployed to contain the volatile crowd and protect motorists.
The disruption began in the early hours of Saturday, 25 April 2026. Protesters used burning tyres and debris to seal off Chris Hani Road and the Diepkloof Interchange, halting traffic between Soweto and the Johannesburg CBD.
What JMPD said about the Diepkloof hostel electricity protest
Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed the looting and the road closures.
“Protesters blocked the N12 east/N1 north highway at the Diepkloof Interchange, as well as Chris Hani Road, using burning tyres and debris. We have received confirmed reports of two trucks being looted during the early morning disruptions,” said Fihla.
He added that public order units had pushed the demonstrators back inside the hostel grounds.
“At this stage, JMPD and SAPS public order policing units have pushed back and contained the protesters within the perimeter of the hostel. However, the situation remains highly volatile. Officers are maintaining a heavy presence in the area to ensure the safety of motorists and to prevent further property damage,” said Fihla.
JMPD said the preliminary cause of the protest is ongoing electricity supply changes affecting the Diepkloof Hostel community.
Reports circulating on social media of fatalities at the scene could not be verified at the time of publishing. Motorists are urged to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange and Chris Hani Road until JMPD declares the route safe.
