There have been multiple independent reports of meetings and organisations with the purpose of causing further closures this evening. The implication is that tomorrow may see a continuation of such.

The Lowveld Security Joint Operations Command’s (JOC) John Meintjies said most of the entrances to Mbombela are open, meanwhile, most of the surrounding villages are still closed. They are monitoring the situation while preparing for the worst for tomorrow. The public is advised to avoid driving as far as possible.

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The road to Hazyview from Hoedspruit through Bushbuckridge and Marite is clear, except for a waste removal skip in the middle of the road halfway between Hazyview and Bushbuckridge, Hazyview to Phabeni is open. Drivers are advised to drive around it.

Mkhuhlu and the R538 towards Hazyview next to the Dayzenza Shopping Centre are still closed.

Due to the road blockages on the entry roads into the southern Kruger National Park (KNP), the park management has made the following emergency arrangements for tonight, July 6:

1. Guests are allowed to leave the KNP exit gates of their own accord up until the gates’ closing times.

2. After the gates are closed, guests will not be allowed to leave the KNP. Guests without bookings will be allowed to spend the night inside their vehicles either at the exit gate or at any of the rest camps in designated areas. They can use the ablution facilities at the gates or at the tourist camp.

3. The park will keep certain entry gates open after normal closing time for guests with bookings that may make their way to the entry gates. The gates that will be open until 20:00 tonight are:

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• Orpen Gate for visitors with bookings at Orpen, Satara, Marula and Tamboti camps.

• Kruger Gate for visitors with bookings at any of the tourist facilities in Skukuza.

• Phabeni Gate for visitors with bookings at any of the tourist facilities in Skukuza or Pretoriuskop.

• Malelane Gate for visitors with bookings at Malelane Private Camp and Berg-en-Dal.

• Crocodile Bridge Gate for visitors with bookings at Crocodile Bridge or Lower Sabie.

Escorts from the entry gates to the camps will be arranged at 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00 by protection services.

Hospitality management services must arrange for the designated gates’ and camps’ reception offices to remain open until 21:00.

The following people can be contacted for any queries or assistance:
• Mission Area Joint Operation Command: 013 745 7040
• Hein Grobler: 082 908 3993
• Mbongeni Tukela: 082 887 0155
• Eunice Mulaudzi: 076 358 3085.