Port Alfred-Grahamstown road open after protests

Protesters gather on the R67 opposite Nemato in northern Port Alfred earlier Wednesday 31 May. That section of the road was closed on Wednesday and travellers and commuters were advised to take alternative routes. Photo: SAPS

Police gather on the R67 opposite Nemato in northern Port Alfred on Wednesday 31 May. That section of the road was closed and travellers and commuters were advised to take alternative routes, as service delivery protesters block the road with rubbish and burning tyres. Photo: SAPS

STAFF REPORTER

Police said yesterday that the R67 between Grahamstown and Port Alfred was clear for travel.

Police on Wednesday evening were still advising travellers between Grahamstown and Port Alfred to use alternative routes as the R67 remained closed opposite Nemato township, on the northern side of the coastal town. Two men face charges of public violence after sections of the road were blocked off in service delivery protests from early Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said SAPS officers had been deployed in the area daily to monitor service delivery protests by residents of Nemato on the R67.

Two men were arrested and face charges of public violence, she said, after several sections of the R67 were blocked off by protesters with rocks and burning tyres.

“Several police officers have also come under attack and were injured,” Govender said. “Two of the officers received medical treatment. State vehicles were also damaged.

“SAPS will continue to be visible in all affected areas to ensure the safety of the community.”