The police has arrested eight suspects on the N12 between Potchefstroom and Matlosana for disrupting traffic and burning tyres.

The suspects were arrested on Wednesday (14/8) during a protest action that started around 06:00 at an entrance to Ikageng. The road between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp was temporarily closed and traffic was brought to a standstill before officers diverted it to alternative routes.

Traffic was at a standstill following the protest. Picture: Potchefstroom Herald

“Just after 07:00 the traffic started moving slowly. The situation is tense at the entrance, but it is monitored by POP which is still on the scene,” said North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh.

“In addition, a total of eight suspects have been arrested since this morning and are charged with public violence and they will appear in court soon.”

Residents embarked on a protest on the N12 between Potchefstroom and Matlosana, but the reasons for the demonstrations are not yet known. The road was reopened just after 08:00 on Wednesday, but residents have gathered again, burning tires, and traffic is slightly affected which might cause delays.

“We hereby notify motorists that there are residents who are demonstrating and burning tyres along the N12 between Potchefstroom and Matlosana,” said JB Marks municipality spokesperson Jeanette Tshite.

“At the moment, law enforcement officers, including traffic officers, are on the scene taking care of the situation and directing traffic from both directions of the two towns.”

Motorists have been urged to be cautious, and to reduce speed they are also urged to cooperate with law enforcement officers as they are trying to bring the situation to normal, said Tshite. It is not yet known what the reasons for the protest are, and how long traffic might be delayed.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg