22 Apr 2024 | 09:39 AM UTC
South Africa: Service delivery protest ongoing along R40 near Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, April 22
Service delivery protest currently blocking R40 in Maboke near Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa, April 22; avoid the area.
Protesters are reportedly blocking the R40 road near Maboke (Casteel), between Nelspruit (Mbombela) and Polokwane, Mpunalanga Province, early April 22. Protesters have reportedly set fire to an ambulance; security services have been deployed. The precise motive is unclear, but could likely be related to a lack of water or electricty.
Maboke is located about 55km (35 miles) northwest of the Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger gate.
Heightened security is likely in the affected area over the coming hours. Associated transport disruptions are probable, especially along the R40. Clashes between protesters and the police may occur if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or engage in acts of public violence.
Avoid all protests, and do not drive through roadblocks. Heed the directives of the local authorities and monitor local media for updates as protests will likely occur on short notice. Consider alternative routes around the impact areas. Plan for disruptions to both general travel and the transport of freight. Reconfirm the status of routes in the hours preceding travel. Reconfirm all public transport services that operate in or through the affected areas.
Service delivery protests are very common in South Africa. Protesters recurrently block major and secondary routes with debris during busy rush hour periods (early morning or evening); however, blockages, particularly to national highways (such as the N1/2/3/4/5/6/7), are usually cleared shortly after the start of the event. Acts of arson are rare but not uncommon. Some protests can last for several hours; even if a protest ends, it can resume in the following days if demands are not met. Deadly violence is rare, with officials generally engaged in negotiations to end unrest; nonetheless, clashes cannot be discounted entirely.
