Emalahleni Local Municipality Mayor Conny Nkalitshana was booed as she addressed the angry community at Vosman, Emalahleni, this morning.

She was trying to address the community over the power supply challenges that have led to protest action in the area.

Nkalitshana could, however, not make her way to the KG Mall Traffic Circle due to the ongoing protests. Protesters instructed her to address them without members of Vosman police being in attendance.

Discussions soon became violent and the protesters proceeded to throw stones at Nkalitshana, MMC Vusi Nhlapo, Superintendent Sibongile Mahlangu, as well as members of the media.

KwaGuqa residents and surrounding areas have been without power for almost a week and resorted to blockading roads. These protests have hindered traffic on the N4 for the past three days.

Disgruntled community members mentioned that they are still not satisfied with the promises made to them by the mayor.

She assured them that a new transformer will be purchased today and most probably be installed by tomorrow.

Nkalitshana also expressed her deepest condolences to the family who lost their son who was shot, allegedly with live ammunition during the protest yesterday. Police are yet to confirm the shooting incident.

Use these alternative roads

The Trac N4 Route between the Balmoral interchange and the N4/N12 split has been severely affected by these service delivery protests.

While this situation persists, and until the protesters and the entities they are dissatisfied with have resolved the dispute, Trac urges road users to avoid this area and use the following alternative routes to reach their destinations:

Westbound (towards Tshwane)

• After Middelburg Plaza take the N12 at the N4/N12 split, then take the Delmas off-ramp which leads to Bronkhorstspruit (R42) from where the N4 can be reached again.

Eastbound (towards Maputo)

• Take the Bronkhorstspruit interchange (R42) towards Delmas, and then join the N12 which joins the N4 just before the Middelburg Plaza.