Residents have embarked on a protest on the N12 between Potchefstroom and Matlosana, but the reasons for the demonstrations are not yet known.

Earlier the road between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp was temporarily closed and traffic brought to a standstill, before it was diverted to alternative routes by officers.

The road was open just after 08:00 on Wednesday (14/8), but residents have gathered again, burning tires, and traffic is slightly affected which might cause delays.

Residents burning tyres and closing the road between Potchefstroom and Matlosana. Picture: CSS Security Potchefstroom

“We hereby notify motorists that there are residents who are demonstrating and burning tyres along the N12 between Potchefstroom and Matlosana,” said JB Marks municipality spokesperson Jeanette Tshite. “At the moment, law enforcement officers, including traffic officers, are on the scene taking care of the situation and directing traffic from both directions of the two towns.”

Motorists have been urged to be cautious, and to reduce speed they are also urged to cooperate well with law enforcement officers as they are trying to bring the situation to normalcy, said Tshite. It is not yet known what the reasons for the protest are, and how long traffic might be delayed.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mc