The Free State Police spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli, says the police in the Ficksburg area received information around 05:00 that several people have blocked the R26 road with burning tyres and debris. The Public Order Policing unit was summoned and the road was cleared. “Motorists who will be driving through Ficksburg are advised to do so cautiously as the protest is ongoing,” he said.

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Mahlomola explains that the community has continued with the protest and streets in Meqheleng were blocked with stones and burning tyres. The continuation of the protest led to eleven people, four women and seven men being arrested for public violence and will appear in the Ficksburg Court soon. He concludes that at the moment the situation is tense.

The protest in question is understood to be because of grievances by the residents which the municipality has never paid attention to, irrespective of many outcries. The DA in the Setsoto Local Municipality is firmly opposing the shutdown, emphasising it is not a legally sanctioned form of protest.

“While we understand and empathise with the community's frustrations regarding their demands and the lack of service delivery, we cannot endorse or support this particular endeavour,” sayid Riette Dell. They are of the view that the most effective way to bring about change in service delivery is through organised and constructive means of engagement.

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