Enraged protesters blocked off access into Matsafeni on Thursday morning, July 21, and demanded better roads and services.
They used burning tyres, waste, branches and construction material to blockade the routes.
The protesters were blockading the park-and-ride to the stadium and smaller streets within the community, which made it impossible for the residents to move.
They did not allow motorists to pass and refused the pedestrians right of way, allegedly refusing to let learners from locals schools pass. Frustrated community members raised their concerns that they would be late for work.
“We are stuck here and we are scared to force our way through. We have to get to work and our kids need to go to school.”
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A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the protesters were later dispersed. “The roads are now opened and we have police monitoring the area.”
Mpumalanga News contacted the City of Mbombela for comment, however, by the time of publishing the story, it had not responded. This is a developing story.
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