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WARNING: Port Edward held hostage as riots escalate – road remains closed
As businesses are threatened to be petrol bombed, residents call for police to take charge of riots.
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The situation in Port Edward this morning (Tuesday) is tense, and all roads are blocked and closed to motorists.
Protests in the area started yesterday (Monday) resulting in all entrances to the N2 (R61 at the Thongazi Caltex station) being shut.
Reports from the scene indicate that all roads are blocked and infrastructure has and is being destroyed.
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Business are being barricaded and are all closed, along with schools and clinics.
The vaccination programme has been halted and there is still no water.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2021/06/IMG-20210615-WA0000-224x400.jpg)
“The police knew this was going to happen yet have done nothing and are just standing by. Claim that they have orders not to interfere. No sign of any responses from Mayor, MECs or anybody from the state. What action was taken, proactively, to prevent violence and tyre burning? Why aren’t ” asked a resident.
We are being held hostage by civic riots. This cannot be called protesting. Businesses now being threatened with petrol bombing if they don’t close. Cars on internal roads are being stoned by roving ‘patrols’. This is not protesting. It’s rioting.
Police have confirmed the road is closed. The Herald is waiting for an official response from province.
This is an evolving story and will be updated as more information comes to light.
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⚠️ *UPDATE* ⚠️ from Team GP Security
On the R61 at Ithongazi Caltex roads still blocked.
Protestors burning tyres by Port Edward robots – currently blocked
Port Edward garage currently closed.
Leisure Bay roads closed:
Fishermans
Torquay
Kinderstrand – blocked by tree
Leisure Bay (South) still currently open.
Munster: Munster crossing open, further up is blocked
Palm Beach: Entrances open
Trafalgar: Entrance open
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