It has been a busy day (July 9) for police and Public Safety officials, who had to put out burning tyres at the entrances to Ladysmith.
Former State President Jacob Zuma’s supporters were out and about throughout the province of KwaZulu-Natal, protesting and demanding the release of Zuma from prison.
In Ladysmith, the protest started on the N11 at the Model Kloof turn-off at around 15:00. The singing and chanting protesters blocked the road with burning tyres.
The protesters then moved further down to the Limit Hill / Helpmekaar Road intersection. Public Safety officials were seen at the intersection, putting out the fires and directing traffic.
The entire area was covered in thick black smoke.
Motorists travelling in all directions were frustrated, as traffic was at a standstill.
Later this evening, protesters gathered near the Ladysmith Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) premises, where vehicles had to wait for Public Safety to extinguish the flames before continuing on their way.
The protesters were last seen in Harrismith Road, at the Ladysmith bypass, burning rubber. A veld was set alight as well.
Also read: 2 dead in head-on collision on Helpmekaar Road
Ladysmith was in complete chaos today, as the above intersections were completely blocked. The question is: What will Zuma’s supporters do next?
Update: Motorists are warned to be cautious, as a truck is on fire on the N3 southbound carriageway, past Mooi River. The Colenso road is open at the moment.
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