The R538 is currently open for traffic, however the road is full of debris. The buses operating in the Masoyi area will not be ferrying passengers on this route until the area is safe. This comes after taxi operators barricaded the R538 on Monday morning, September 26, demanding that Buscor stop transporting commuters during the day, especially those who pay cash. This angered members of the community. They embarked on a protest blockading the road so that taxi drivers could also not operate.

ALSO READ: R538 in Masoyi currently closed due to protest 

The spokesperson for Buscor, Thomas Lubisi, said the safety of the commuters, drivers and buses is a priority, so they are taking all the safety precautions. “People going to Masoyi will be transported via the R40. Thereafter, they will have to make alternative arrangements to get home, but we are in talks with all the stakeholders to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

ALSO READ: Hawks dismantle drug laboratory in Barberton M

The spokesperson for the Masoyi police, Captain Nanikie Nonyane, advised motorists to avoid the R538, because some of the protesters are still on the road. The police have been deployed to calm the situation. “For now, the road is partially open, but taxis are not allowed to pass or ferry people. Only light vehicles are allowed to pass, but we are not sure if the situation will remain the same, so until then motorists must use alternative roads to avoid delays,” she said.