The threat of service-delivery flare-ups in the Harrismith vicinity remains although the SA African Police Service (SAPS) this morning said they had the situation under control.
Warrant officer Mmako Mophiring said both sides of the N3 highway were open, with traffic flowing in both directions.
There is also nothing that has been reported from the N5 through to Bethlehem.
Asked about yesterday’s incidents of stone throwing on the highway near the Bergview Engen, Mophiring said it had been sporadic and that police had managed to disperse the crowd of protesters.
For the most part the service delivery protests, planned for the whole week, are being contained in certain areas in Harrismith itself and townships on the outskirts.
He said yesterday’s stone throwing on the N3 happened because protesters had insisted on breaking out of certain areas of containment.
“We are committed to keeping the N3 and N5 safe so that traffic is not disrupted.”
This morning protest action was reported from nearby Khalanyoni township but nowhere else.
“We are monitoring the situation and advise people intending to use the N3 and N5 to act with caution.”
Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly yesterday said the same, that the sporadic nature of service delivery protests meant the transport industry had to play it by ear.
“We have to see confirmations of activity at spots or on routes and then the decisions get taken.
“This could mean delays, detours or even total route changes before the trucks get to the points of action.”
It could even result in rescheduling and no deliveries, he said.
“Trucks could be standing along routes and be exposed to crime. It all depends on whether the unrest spills onto the N3.”
