28 Sep 2022 | 09:30 AM UTC
South Africa: Taxis blocking major bus routes in Mbombela and surrounding area, Mpumalanga Province, Sept. 28
Taxis blocking major bus routes in and around Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, Sept. 28. Disruptions likely, violence possible.
Event
Taxi associations are blocking major Buscor bus routes in Mbombela and surrounding areas, Mpumalanga Province, to protest against alleged unlawful competition, Sept. 28. Taxis accuse the bus operator of running routes outside of its licensed conditions, outside of morning and evening hours. The protest is ongoing despite a court interdict forbidding it from going ahead. The situation is still ongoing and roads could open/close on short notice. The following axes are reportedly blocked:
Bester Street in Mbombela downtown area
Kragbron Street in Mbombela downtown area
R40 at Marite
R538 Numbi Gate Road
R40 at Casterbridge
R40 near Msholozi
R40 near Barberton
R40/R38 Intersection
N4 near Elandshoek
N4 from Sudwala
Buscor service delays are very likely. Road travel delays are also likely from the ensuing blockades. Since the protest has been forbidden, it is likely police will deploy to clear the roads and disperse protesters. Violence is possible should taxis refuse to disperse. Clashes are also possible between the taxi associations and the bus operators.
Advice
Avoid all protests. Use alternative transport to buses and plan for delays. Do not drive through protester roadblocks. Consider avoiding the affected area until the situation calms.