South Africa: Civil unrest reported in Winburg, Free State, April 16; disruptions along the N1 highway ongoing

Event

A protest has been reported in Winburg, Free State Province, during the morning of April 16. The cause of the unrest is unclear. The action has disrupted road travel along the nearby N1 highway on both the north and southbound lanes. The Verkeerdevlei Toll Plaza, located between Winburg and Bloemfontein on the N1, has been closed in response to the protest action.

Authorities are likely to deploy police to the protest site and traffic officials along the impacted parts of the N1. Officials may seek to disperse or clear the demonstrators and any protester roadblocks in the coming hours, which could trigger clashes. The unrest is likely to result in ground travel and public transport disruptions through at least the early afternoon of April 16. Disruptions to freight transport and business operations are possible.

Advice

Avoid the protest. Consider alternative routes around the impact area. Plan for disruptions to both general travel and the transport of freight. Reconfirm the status of the route in the coming days. Heed the directives of the local authorities and monitor local media for updates. Reconfirm all public transport services that operate in or through the area.