The situation is still volatile in the Hattingspruit area after a protesters blocked the main road with burning tyres, rocks, road signs and crash barriers.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and use the N11 should they need to travel from Dundee, Dannhauser or Newcastle.

The protest started last night after community members were insistent that a nearby mine, Springlake Colliery, employ them.

Residents told the Courier that they ‘hardly slept as gunfire, shouting and general chaos’ kept them awake.

Protesters did go to the mine for a meeting earlier today with the permission of SAPS. It is not yet clear as to what solutions, if any, were discussed.

A cafe in Hattingspruit was looted, according to witnesses. The main road from around the old drive in to beyond Hattingspruit, towards Springlake Colliery, is still undriveable.

Watch video here  – take from the main road, near the old drive in area:

Related story:

Motorists advised to avoid Dundee/ Hattingspruit road

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