South Africa: Ongoing service delivery protest and road blockage in Komani, Eastern Cape Province, Jan. 26-27

Event

Residents of Komani (Queenstown), Eastern Cape province, have embarked on a two-day blockade of the town over a lack of service delivery, Jan. 26-27. They are demanding the removal of their mayor over the ongoing electricity shortages. Protestors have reportedly blocked roads going through the town, including the N6. The ongoing police intervention has reportedly led to clashes, with reports of the use of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protestors.

The unrest and its associated disruptions could continue through Jan. 26. Traffic delays are likely on affected routes until protestors are dispersed; congestion is likely on surrounding roads, including the nearby N6 highway. Additional clashes are likely should the demonstrators refuse to disperse.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Do not drive through protester roadblocks until officials have cleared them. Heed the instructions of officials. Reconfirm the status of road routes before departure.