Taxi Associations at loggerheads over a route

While Police and traffic officials successfully dispersed members of Makhado and Musina Taxi Association who reportedly blocked the N1 road to Musina next to Botlokwa yesterday (Wednesday), Public Order Policing (Pops) members were dispatched to the R37 outside Burgersfort to attend to violent unrest in the area where the main road was also barricaded this morning (Thursday).
According to sources the fight between the two associations over alleged route issues took place at the intersection in the Botlokwa area and officials from the Department of Transport, Safety, Security and Liaison were called to stop the fight which delayed the flow of traffic in the area.
The source further mentioned that both associations are currently in talks with the department in a quest to resolve the fracas.
When approached for comment, Spokesperson for traffic at the department, Kagiso Mootane said she did not know anything about the fight between two associations. She undertook to release information about the matter later today.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe confirmed the violent protest action by members of Thogwaneng who barricaded the R37 road outside Burgersfort this morning.
“The concerns of the community are not yet known but some vehicles have already been damaged by protesters. Motorists are cautioned and advised to use alternative routes. Public Order Policing (Pops) members are on the scene to deal with the situation,” Ngoepe said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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Featured photo: The R37 at Thogwaneng outside Burgersfort is currently closed by angry protestors.