On the morning of 22 August 2017, at 10:00 about 100 persons of Ikamvelihle barricaded the R335 road with burning rubble and tyres next to Motherwell close to the graveyard.
Local councilors attempted to negotiate with them, but they insisted to be addressed by the Deputy Mayor, Mr Mongameli Bobani.
By 12:30, about 60 residents of NU29, Motherwell also blocked the R334 road with concrete pipes and burning tyres, demanding the same as the Ikamvelihle group. At 13:00 word was received by the protesters that Mr Bobani will be addressing them on 23 August 2017, at 09:00.
The protest actions were then abandoned by them and the roads were re opened. No further barricades or incidents were reported. A case of damaging of infrastructure was opened by Ikamvelihle station.
Ikamvelihle Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Nomsa Mtshagi noted with concern that the damaging of road surfaces of the R334 and R335 are causing driving hazards for road users which includes community, businesses, tourism and emergency services such as ambulances, fire trucks and police vehicles.
“Our community has the right to protest, but where these protests pose harm to property and lives the SAPS will need to act against perpetrators.”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
