The unrest escalated quickly and expanded,  all the way to the Lulekani taxi rank, where scholars, workers and other commuters were denied access of transportation.

The situation is still very tense.

Read: BREAKING: Mayhem around Phalaborwa as protest turns violent

Protesters are burning tyres on the road and blocking all cars passing by.

Residents are advised to use alternative routes and to practice caution.

Reasons for the strike are still unclear.

More in this weeks edition of Phalaborwa Herald.