Matsafeni suffers due to fuel hike protests
Residents and motorists said they are frustrated because they cannot reach their destinations on time.
Matsafeni residents have been struggling to reach their destinations today, July 8. This community appears to be the only one in the City of Mbombela that has been affected by the fuel hike protest today.
The strike left thousands of people in other areas in and around Mbombela stranded this week. Commuters and motorists were left helpless as the roads within the community were blockaded with burning tyres, refuse, rocks and materials taken from local businesses.
Standing next to burning tyres were a group of protesters that stopped residents from exiting and entering the area.
According to a community member, “I woke up early in the morning so that I could be the first one at work since I have the keys, but when I arrived at the local taxi rank there were no taxis. We were not allowed to walk pass the burning tyres and refuse. I need to get to work and my managers do not understand, because everything in town is operating as normal.”
ALSO READ: #PetrolMustFall taxi strike enters second day in Mbombela
Mpumalanga News approached the protesters, however, they were not willing to discuss their grievances.
The protesters closed various entrances to Matsafeni. Dr Mnisi Street was one of the first to be reopened. The police arrived at the scene adjacent to Mbombela Stadium, fired shots to disperse protesters and this enabled commuters to pass through. The Park and Ride Street took longer to be reopened.
ALSO READ: Pienaar community bays for blood of alleged rapist
A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, has confirmed that all the entrances are now open. “The police are monitoring the situation.”
