Ekangala roads cleared after violent demonstrations
The streets were open after being barricaded by burned tyres and rocks, police said on Saturday.
The streets of Ekangala were cleared on Saturday after violence erupted this week due to protests.
Police spokesperson Constable Connie Mohanedi said police cleared the roads on Friday after they were barricaded with rocks and burning tyres.
“It is quiet because we have intensified police visibility. The roads are cleared and people can now exit with no problem,” she said.
Around 500 demonstrators were seen in Zithobeni section on Friday when violent demonstrations took place in the area.
Mohanedi said around 16 people were arrested earlier this week but were released on free bail.
“They appeared at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court and were released. The case was remanded to 6 July,” she told Rekord.
She said the reason for the demonstration was not yet known as protesters refused to speak to the police.
“We haven’t had a chance to interview them to determine the reason, as they were fighting with police and throwing petrol bombs at them. It seems the protests are politically related.”
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he spent most of Friday morning looking for an open route to go to work.
“People in the community were saying two sides from the ANC in the area were fighting.”
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