Chaos erupted along the N4 in Hectorspruit after a vehicle allegedly hit a pedestrian and failed to stop in the early hours of today, Saturday, November 30.

It is alleged that the members of the community became aggressive and hijacked trucks that they used to block the road.

This led to a huge backlog and congestion

of vehicles going to or coming from Komatipoort.

The chairperson of the Hectorspruit Community Policing Forum, Patrik D’Hollander, said the situation was volatile.

“Members of the community were dissatisfied with the series of events following the accident. They acted agressively towards responding authorities by throwing bricks at them,” said D’Hollander.

He said the police arrived at the scene but withdrew after being pelted with bricks and stones.

“Authorities had to withdraw for their own safety,” said D’Hollander.

The community members blocked the N4 by forcing trucks park across the highway and an adjacent intersection.

“Allegations have it that the victim was still alive after the accident ocurred, but passed away after some time without being attended to,” explained D’Hollander.

He said the police eventualy engaged the community members in a dialogue.

“The public order police, traffic cops and TRAC were also on the scene while awaiting forensics and pathologists to arrive,” said D’Hollander.

The road was opened at approximately 08:20, with a huge backlog and congestion to be cleared.

TRAC confirmed that the road has been cleared.