R40 is open while the Cottondale road remains closed
Police will continue to monitor the area, although the residents of Zoeknog have threatened to protest until their demands are met.
The R40 through Casteel, between Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge, is open, but the road from Acornhoek to Manyeleti remains closed.
A provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the R40 was closed earlier today, April 23, by the community of Zoeknog, using burning tyres, rocks and trucks. The community demanded a better road for their village.
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The Manyeleti road was closed since the morning of April 23 by the community of Cottondale with tree branches, burning tyres and rocks, however, it’s still unclear why they are protesting.
“The police managed to remove the protestors from the road but the situation can change at any time. We therefore advise motorists to drive with caution when they approach the area due to debris on the road,” Mdhluli said.
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Meanwhile, Zoeknog residents told Lowvelder that they will continue to protest until a contractor is deployed on site to start building the road that they want, or until the police work day and night to remove them from the road. They claim that they are tired of empty promises.
The Cottondale residents said the road will remain closed until the MEC for public works, roads and transport, Mandla Ndlovu, comes and address them. They are also demanding a new road in the area.
Police visibility in the area remains high.
