Illegal roadblocks a serious danger to motorists and commuters
Motorists and employees of several Limpopo were not able to arrive at work in time several times during the past week.
The R555/Maartinshoop Road was barricaded to force the mining sector to provide employment for neighbouring residents.
The reason for the blocking of the roads is apparently due to unemployment issues and lack of service delivery.
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Angered residents of Shaka and other villages next to the R555 protested by blocking this road towards several Limpopo mines on Monday January 17 from 04:00. Tree stumps, branches, buses and heavy vehicles were used. The barricades were removed by the police, motorists and towing companies by 12:00.
The R555 provides access to Maartinshoop, Sekhukune and the secondary roads leading to Tweefontein (Samancor), Der Brochen, Helena and Mototolo mines (Anglo American Platinum). Allegedly, the protests were organised by unemployment forums in the area.
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“At this stage, it is also suspected that the protest can be due to a possible lack of service delivery by the Greater Tubatse Municipality as well as unemployment in the area. The police are monitoring the area,” said Capt Kaizer Moela, a police spokesperson. The police are warning motorists that the situation changes constantly, and for them to be mindful of possible roadblocks. The SAPS are in talks with some of these heavy vehicle companies and the community to diffuse the situation. No arrests were made.
