UPDATE: Protesters burn tyres on N17 near Trichardt

[18 March 07:20] UPDATE: Motorists must avoid the N17 highway between the water reservoirs and Trichardt

TRICHARDT – The Trichardt CPF is alerting motorists to stay away from the N17 highway between Trichardt and the water reservoirs towards Kinross.

Protesters at Vlaklaagte are moving to the N17.

[17 March 19:40] URGENT UPDATE ON PROTEST

Motorists should avoid the Vlaklaagte road towards Syferfontein and Isibonelo Mines throughout the night as protesters are beginning to barricade the road.

The Vlaklaagte road turns off from the N17 highway a few kilometers outside Trichardt.

The community was formerly relocated from Holfontein to the area at Vlaklaagte several years ago and was allegedly promised services.

The Trichardt CPF has warned mine workers to use an alternative road.

This dirt road turns off to the right from the Delmas road near the water reservoirs.

Although the N17 is still clear of protests, motorists are cautioned to stay safe and rather use the alternative route through Secunda and Trichardt.

[18:20]  UPDATE ON N17 protest

TRICHARDT – The Trichardt Police have issued a warning to motorists to beware of possible protest action that might continue tonight.

Const Valencia Komo said the protesters of the Holfontein community might take up their protest at night along the road towards the Isibonelo and Syferfontein Mines.

The protesters are upset that promises of services and even relocation to serviced stands, have not been adhered.

They feel that the mayor is now ignoring them.

Photos of protesters earlier today, Sunday 17 March.

[14:40]

UPDATE ON N17 PROTEST

TRICHARDT – Protesters from the Holfontein community are dispersing at the moment. Authorities on the scene said the road will be cleared within about an hour.

[13:00]

TRICHARDT – The N17 highway has been closed off between Trichardt and the water reservoirs towards Kinross due to riots today, 17 March.

The Holfontein community has taken to burning tyres and barricading the highway in an effort to get the attention of the executive mayor of the Govan Mbeki Municipality.

The leaders of the community marched to the municipal offices last week with a memorandum demanding that the mayor own up to her promises and stop ignoring them.

She was not present to receive the memorandum.

The community warned the mayor that she had seven days in which to respond before the people will go over to more serious action.

They now claim they are still being ignored.

Motorists must ignore N17 between Kinross and Trichardt

Photo Alf Byleveldt, Jelani Security