UPDATE: N2 Bhobhoyi protest – Department of Transport officials pelted with stones
Shots were fired to allow the officials to leave the area safely. The road remains closed.
UPDATE 7.30pm
The protesters were addressed by officials from the Department of Transport late this afternoon.
They were not happy with the explanation offered, and expressed their dissatisfaction by pelting the officials with stones.
There is a strong police presence at the scene, and shots were fired to disperse the crowd and allow the officials to leave safely.
According to one Bhobhoyi resident, two protesters were arrested earlier today. Confirmation of the arrests is awaited from the police.
RNM spokesman Simon April confirmed that the road remains closed and said he cannot speculate as to when the three-day protest will end.
UPDATE: 11am
The situation on the N2 has now intensified, according to officials and some residents of Murchison and Bhobhoyi.
They have told the Herald that Murchison residents have joined Bhobhoyi residents in the protest, swelling the crowd to around 4 000.
It is believed that they are preparing to make their way towards Marburg.
According to police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane the roads are still closed. “Earlier this morning protesters placed rocks and other objects to obstruct the traffic. Traffic is currently diverted towards Port Edward as an alternative route.”
He added that Public Order Police (POP) officers are at the scene to monitor the situation.
“A malicious damage to property case has been opened at Port Shepstone Saps after the window of a meter taxi was alleged damaged by a stone while the 51-year-old driver was driving from Murchison to Port Shepstone.”
UPDATE: MAY 22 9am
The situation on the N2 between Bhobhoyi and Murchison, where protesters have closed the N2 in becoming increasingly tense.
Police have now been instructed to clear the roadway, and a TLB is on site to remove rubble.
The protest centres around the poor condition of the D1014 which many local residents are forced to use on a daily basis.
The community says it has been asking the department of transport to repair the road for the past four years without success.
Of particular concern is the fact that a large contingent of staff from Murchison Hospital are stranded in Marburg due to the strike and are unable to report for duty.
The Paddock road is now also reportedly closed to traffic.
MAY 21
The protesters dispersed by police yesterday have again gathered on the N2, where they have blocked the road.
ALSO READ: N2 at Bhobhoyi is now open after protest action
They say they are waiting for authorities to arrive and discuss the way forward.
There is a strong police presence and traffic police are also in attendance.
Earlier today a truck transporting quarry stone was forced to offload its cargo on the roadway.
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