Six women were arrested today (June 10) following a protest in the Roosboom area that resulted in the temporary closure of the R103.

The protest, which centred around ongoing concerns regarding water and electricity supply, saw demonstrators blocking the roadway with burning tyres and rocks, disrupting traffic and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.

Public Safety teams respond

Alfred Duma Municipal Public Safety officers responded to the scene and worked to clear debris from the road to restore traffic flow.

Six women arrested

Police officers from the Ladysmith Visible Policing Unit arrested six women between the age of 26 and 41 in connection with the protest. The women have been charged with public violence and are expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court.

Community raises service delivery concerns

Residents participating in the protest said they are demanding solutions to ongoing challenges relating to water and electricity services in the Roosboom area.

Service delivery issues have remained a concern for many community members, who say interruptions continue to affect their daily lives.

Road re-opened to traffic

Following the intervention of law enforcement and municipal officials, the R103 was successfully cleared and re-opened to traffic later this morning.

Authorities have urged residents to engage through the appropriate channels when raising service delivery concerns, and warned against actions that endanger public safety or disrupt traffic.

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