BREAKING NEWS: Protest action on N11 near Newcastle causes distress

Traffic is at a standstill on various intersections on the N11 near Newcastle, after protestors barricaded the road earlier this morning (August 13).

ALSO READ: JUST IN: 100 trucks block off N3 van Reenen’s Pass in protest action

A portion of the N11 has been blocked off by Newcastle SAPS and Traffic Department around 7am due to protest actions which started in the early hours.
Officials on site have been hard at work clearing up the road and controlling the unruly crowd.

The road between the Utrecht and ArcelorMittal off ramps will remain closed for the next few hours to ensure the safety of road users.

According to officials on site the disgruntled residents of the area took to the streets at around 2am to protest about poor service delivery.

READ NOW: UPDATE: Protest action now affecting both van Reenen’s Pass and N1 routes

The residents remained next to the road repeatedly demanding electricity, as officials cleared up the rubble and residue of burned tyres.

An eyewitness who chose to remain anonymous said, the protestors threw stones at the officials upon their arrival, and allegedly stopped the protest when SAPS members fired back with rubber bullets.

Some of the residents warned they will resume their protest actions later today.

Motorists are cautioned to use alternative routes and avoid this area.

 

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This is a developing story an update will be provided shortly.

 

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