Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Unathi Binqose confirmed that the violence, destructive and life-threatening protests on the R394 road, connecting the N2 at Phakade to the R61 at Magusheni have forced the department to completely close off the stretch for the safety of motorists.
“The road remains barricaded with big rocks while the trench in the middle of the tarred road has been dug up again.
"There are reports of a truck that ahs been burned, but our officers are unable to reach where the alleged incident happened due to the state of the road. The closure is in the interest of the safety of road users, while officials are negotiating with locals and rescue personnel are clearing the road,” said Binqose.