27 May 2024 | 06:57 AM UTC
South Africa: Ongoing protest closes N2 and R61 highways near Mthatha early May 27
Ongoing protest closes N2 and R61 highways near Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, early May 27. Use alternative routes.
An ongoing protest by minibus taxi operators is resulting in severe transport disruptions in and around Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, as of the morning of May 27. According to reports, protesting taxi operators hijacked several trucks and used them to block the N2 highway and R61 road in multiple areas around the town. As a result of the road closures, authorities have suspended operations at nearby Mthtatha Airport (UTT). The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged motorists traveling to Mthatha to either delay their travel or avoid the town completely. The exact reason for the protest is unconfirmed, but is almost certainly related to tensions between rival taxi operators or between taxi operators and police, both of which are a regular occurrence.
A heavy security presence is almost certainly in place; although there have been no reports of clashes, they cannot be discounted, especially if police move to clear roadblocks or disperse any protests that materialize.
Monitor the situation closely. Plan for significant disruptions in an around Mthatha May 27. Use alternative routes to circumvent the town. Do not attempt to cross protester roadblocks, and depart the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
