UPDATE: [WATCH] Protest action continues at Umgababa as fires are set and road access blocked off
From the top of the hill, police could be seen attempting to ward off protesters who had started setting alight rubble, branches and tyres.
UPDATE:
Protesters are still in action at the N2 Umgababa overpass where police have blocked off access to the area, warning road users to avoid the area.
Road users travelling along the N2 both north and southbound should exercise caution as well as expect possible delays.
Arriving at the protest, Mail journalists Juan Venter and Vanisha Moodley were stoned soon after being spotted by protesters however, both were fortunately left unharmed with one stone grazing Juan’s head.
Protesters soon realised that the duo were in fact reporters and invited them up to cover the story.
One protester explained that the reason for the protest was due to the ever increasing cost of fuel, a lack of service delivery, rising taxi fare costs and, demands are being made that the Taxi Association come to the area.
According to the protester, further issues include that taxi operators overload taxis, sometimes with as many as 34 passengers.
From the top of the hill, police could be seen attempting to ward off protesters who had started setting alight rubble, branches and tyres.
Police made use of what appeared to have been stun grenades in order to scatter protesters.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Road users are advised to exercise caution along the N2 both southbound and northbound at Umgababa where people are engaging in protest action.
Service delivery protest in my village, uMgababa. You raise petrol, transport, food and everything else goes up. Is this the Thuma Mina effect of Nayi leWalk Ramaphosa? pic.twitter.com/E6r2HdJBcq
— Vusi Khoza (@vusumuzikhoza) July 9, 2018
The reason for the protest is not yet known however, it is suspected to be related to fuel costs and service delivery issues – police are en route.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Police disperse more protesters en route for Scottburgh during the night
Although the N2 itself is reportedly open to traffic, both on and off-ramps have been blocked.
Stay with us for more on this developing story.
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