Running battles between police and protesters
The R103 will stay closed tonight as police once again withdraw when darkness falls
Three more protesters were arrested this afternoon (Tuesday) in the Roosboom protest. What started out as a peaceful march last Saturday has now escalated into a violent, illegal protest in which residents are barricading the R103 with rocks and burning tyres.
The road has been blocked since early yesterday (Monday) morning. Later on Monday, police had to use tear gas and fire rubber bullets to disperse the stone-throwing mob. But they withdrew as night approached.
This morning, protesters ran in all directions when police entered the area. Most ran to the top of nearby hills.
Heavily-armed police (including NIC, TRT and POP) re-opened the R103 using a TLB but as fast as they cleared the stone barricades, rock-throwing mobs replaced the stones.
The community has been hit hard by the situation, as most of them now have to walk a great distance to find transport.
Police will be monitoring the situation and patrolling the area, as the situation is still tense.
The Ladysmith police communications officer has confirmed that 24 people were arrested on Monday (9 females and 15 males) for public violence.
For a second day in a row, the R103 remained closed. It will stay closed tonight as police once again withdraw when darkness falls.
