The R40 has become a hotspot for illegal service delivery protests by community members residing along the route, with demonstrators using traffic flow disruption as a tactic to have their demands met.

The road has been subjected to numerous blockades in recent months. In one instance, residents blocked the route to demand jobs from trucking companies that use it as a thoroughfare.

On February 6, the Marite community barricaded the road in protest.

Eskom discovered that meters had been tampered with and disconnected their electricity. Residents claim they were informed that each household would need to pay R800 towards the installation of a new transformer.

ALSO READ: Roads blockaded, ambulance torched on R40 in Casteel protest

However, after the payment was made and the transformer installed, electricity reportedly began tripping daily.

When residents enquired about the issue, they were allegedly told that the transformer was too small to supply all the households.

As a result, they took their grievance to the R40, blocking the road with burning tyres, and trucks.

During these protests, trucks are often specifically targeted. Protesters allegedly seize keys from drivers and use the vehicles to obstruct the roadway.

Despite police intervention to clear the blockades, the protests persist, often occurring during early morning hours when commuters are travelling to work.

ALSO READ: R40 near Marite closed due to protest action

The spokesperson for the department of community safety, security and liaison, Moeti Mmusi, has condemned the protests, noting that the road is a vital economic artery connecting more than five towns.

“People need to address their concerns through the relevant authorities rather than disrupting the movement of goods and people. This is uncalled for, as the government has structures in place to deal with community needs. The road is meant for traffic, not for protest action,” he said.

Mmusi also called on law enforcement to deal strictly with those who illegally block roads, emphasising that no one has the right to obstruct public movement.

Eskom was not available for comment at the time of going online.