Roads blockaded, ambulance torched on R40 in Casteel protest

While the R40 through Casteel, between Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge, is now clear, earlier this morning, April 22, saw the road blockaded with some trucks and an ambulance torched by protesters.

A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the road was not accessible to motorists this morning due to the protests, but has since been cleared, and traffic is now flowing.

Protest action on R40,Casteel just outside Busbuckridge..I still don’t understand why would one burn a vehicle that you might need for emergency health issues. pic.twitter.com/o5U0ZnzLNK

— The Real KING OF THE JUNGLE (@EdwardthembaSa) April 22, 2024

He added that the police are also investigating a case of malicious damage to property and of public violence after protesters reportedly set an ambulance alight and allegedly looted a truck in the Casteel area this morning.

He said police visibility in the area remains high.

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Meanwhile, the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, urged the public to refrain from acts of public violence and from damaging infrastructure and properties.

Please note that the Casteel Satellite office in Mpumalanga is closed due to the ongoing community protest in the area. Clients are advised to go to Sabie or Hazyview for our services. Apologies for the inconvenience caused. pic.twitter.com/BEheVIes2i

— Department of Employment and Labour (@deptoflabour) April 22, 2024

She said anyone who is found to have been involved in this will be dealt with, without favour. She said people have the right to protest, however, it should always be within the ambit of the law.

*MP* – R40 from Bushbuckridge to Casteel pic.twitter.com/rSHP9wRxmL

— Road Angels SA (@Road_Angels_SA) April 22, 2024

Mdhluli said no arrests have been made at this stage.

Mpumalanga – R40 Route: #Protesting north of Bushbuckridge (Casteel) – Ambulance on fire pic.twitter.com/F6s5bqGUq2

— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) April 22, 2024

The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, echoed Manamela’s call for the public to protest within the scope of the law. He added that in addition to the torching of an ambulance, some protesters had also closed off roads, in particular the R40, which is the route between the province and Limpopo.

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Shongwe said businesses are severely affected by this trend of constant road closures, which also affects the livelihoods of many.

“People must refrain from destroying public and private properties, regardless of how angry they are,” he said.

The Mpumalanga Department of Health’s spokesperson, Dumisani Malamule, said the ambulance that was set on fire belonged to the department and was on its way to another facility when the driver came across the protesters on the R40.

He said the driver was taken out of the vehicle, but was not harmed. The protesters then set fire to the vehicle.

According to information received by the department, the community is protesting about the alleged lack of service delivery in the area.

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The MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, said destroying public property that is aimed at providing the very same service delivery they are complaining about is not the right way to raise concerns.

“The community has a right to raise concerns if they are not satisfied with the service delivery they are provided with. There are many platforms available and proper channels that must be used and followed to raise concerns,” she said.

“Government has placed councillors, mayors and many community representatives to ensure that if there are concerns, they can be engaged.”

She added that the department has opened a case with the local SAPS.