South Africa: Ongoing service delivery protest and road blockage in Parys, Jan. 18

Event

A service delivery protest and road blockages are ongoing in Parys, Free State province, Jan. 18. Protestors have reportedly blockaded Gren Street and Thomson Road along the R723. Residents have been protesting since Jan. 16 over water shortages in their area. Police have so far arrested 11 individuals in connection to the reported arson and looting of offices and shops.

The unrest and its associated disruptions could continue in the coming hours. Traffic delays are likely on affected routes until protestors are dispersed; congestion is likely on surrounding roads, including the nearby N1 highway. Additional security forces are likely to deploy to and attempt to remove roadblocks. 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.