The N4 between eMalahleni and Pretoria has been opened after the road was partially closed for almost 24 hours.

Residents of Vosman and KwaGuqa outside eMalahleni protested about service delivery issues, such as a lack of electricity and water supply.

As a result, thousands of residents blockaded the road from yesterday morning. Reports suggested that police fired shots to try and disperse the crowd and that some residents were injured. However, protest action continued as residents gathered in their masses.

Videos of the protest are being widely shared on social media:

Video source unknown.

Last night, videos of burning buildings circulated on social media platforms and there were also reports of looting in the area.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala confirmed in a statement that a 50-year-old woman was shot and taken to hospital.

“She, unfortunately, passed on yesterday. We are not yet certain who shot the woman, however, an investigation is underway which will look into the allegations that the victim, as well as two other people who reportedly sustained some injuries, were shot by a member or members of the police,” he explained.

Mohlala confirmed that shops at the Pick n Pay Shopping Centre in Ext 5 were torched and looted.

“Police remain in the area and motorists are urged to drive with caution along the N4 near KG Mall, as well as on other roads nearby. The N4 has been cleared after being blockaded and a case of public violence has been opened.”

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has heightened police visibility to calm and monitor the situation. Two people have been arrested and more arrests are expected.