Motorists travelling towards Ladysmith are being urged to exercise caution after reports emerged that objects are being thrown at passing vehicles along the Ezakheni Road near the Defy industrial area, despite police confirming that the main group of protesters and road obstructions had been cleared.
The situation remains tense along parts of the route, with sporadic incidents continuing to pose a risk to road users.
Although law enforcement successfully dispersed the mass gathering and removed debris from the roadway, isolated flare-ups are still being reported in the vicinity, thereby potentially affecting safe passage.
Speaking to Newcastillian News, Ladysmith SAPS Spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan confirmed that a group of approximately 50 individuals had initially gathered in the Pieters Industrial area, situated in the D Section of Ezakheni, where protest action escalated into a road obstruction.
“The group are allegedly disgruntled about the employment policy of a specific company. They had closed the roadways in the area,” he said.
He further added that Ezakheni Visible Policing Officers, together with the Public Order Policing Unit from Newcastle, were deployed and had successfully dispersed the main gathering, while simultaneously clearing the roadway of obstructions.
Furthermore, he noted that no reports of damage or looting had been received at this stage.
Despite this intervention, however, reports have since indicated that isolated incidents involving objects being hurled at vehicles continue in the area, prompting renewed caution for motorists using the route.
Consequently, authorities have advised road users to remain vigilant and, where possible, consider alternative routes until conditions fully stabilise.
In addition, Road Angels South Africa, which has been monitoring developments along the route, confirmed that the protest activity initially began near the Defy facility and subsequently spread along portions of the roadway. Accordingly, the organisation reiterated its warning to motorists, stressing the importance of ensuring safe passage before entering the area.
Road Angels South Africa stated, “As this is a popular and busy route, motorists are cautioned to ensure the roads are clear and open before attempting to ride along the road.”
Finally, law enforcement remains in the vicinity as monitoring continues and efforts are maintained to ensure full stability and safety along the route.
At the same time, attention is now centred on preventing further disruption and maintaining consistent control of the area as conditions continue to be assessed in real time.
Ultimately, road users are advised to proceed with caution and adjust travel plans where necessary, as authorities work towards restoring reliable and uninterrupted movement through the Ezakheni corridor.
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