The four were allegedly part of a group that barricaded the N14 highway with rocks and burning tyres. 

Community leader Sello Dassie said the protest was not called by the community leadership. 

"I do not know of any protest today [Wednesday]. We have reached an agreement yesterday [Tuesday]. Those blocking the roads are criminal elements,"  he told African News Agency.

Youngsters block the N14 leading to Coligny and the R30 leading to Klerksdorp. Those blocking the Coligny road demanded money from motorists to pass through Tshing into Ventersdorp. Motorists refusing to pay were pelted with stones. 

The situation forced traffic to be diverted onto a 20km dirt road to Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp. 

On Tuesday residents blocked the highway in a protest related to the N14 development hub. 

North West police spokesperson, Captain Aafje Botma, said the people who were arrested were expected to appear in the Ventersdorp Magistrate's Court on Friday.

African News Agency (ANA)