WATCH: Chaos in NMB as protest action resumes

Protest action linked to a taxi strike that started in the early hours of Tuesday, 25 May morning across Nelson Mandela Bay, resumed this morning (Wednesday).

Various roads have been blocked by burning tyre barricades and in some areas, vehicles were set alight or looted.

Protest action resumed across Nelson Mandela Bay this morning with protesters blocking various roads across the metro with burning tyre barricades.

According to police spokesperson, Capt. André Beetge, the roads that were closed this morning include:

• The R75 between Kenako Mall, Spondo Road and Despatch,
• Old Uitenhage Road between Missionvale and Bethelsdorp,
• The R335 from Trucker’s Inn on the N2 up to the Ikamvelihle police station intersection,
• Ntshekisa Road and Maduka Street in New Brighton,
• Heugh Road at the 9^th Avenue intersection in Walmer,
• Njoli Street, Mavuso Road and Daku Street in KwaZakhele,
• Nooitgedacht Road and Standford Road in Bethelsdorp and
• NU2, NU5 and NU10 in Motherwell.

The following roads were reported as open with traffic flowing:

• The N2 Freeway,
• The M19 past Redhouse and Swartkops
• Rocklands

“A truck was also reported burning at Trucker’s Inn. Public Policing in Nelson Mandela Bay and local police stations are attending to the situation,” Beetge said.

Meanwhile, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) announced that the current taxi strike and protest actions are having a negative impact on operations in the Port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).

According to Port Manager, Rajesh Dana, the port has activated its business continuity plans and will continue to assess the impact.

“The Ports Terminal Operators have also been impacted and are similarly formulating plans to ensure minimal business disruptions,” Dana explained. “Please note that the safety of our employees and port users is of utmost importance as we develop plans to respond under these circumstances. The situation remains fluid and we will continue to engage directly with all affected parties regarding any potential port delays. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you abreast of developments. We do apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and request your patience during this challenging period,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has condemned the protests in both Nelson Mandela Bay and Makhanda in the strongest terms.

“While we all have the constitutionally guaranteed right to engage in peaceful protest, it cannot be that we will allow for the destruction of both public and private property,” Mabuyane said.

“The disruption of normal daily activities, including the forceful closure of businesses and schools, in a country of laws such as ours, can never be tolerated,” he added.

Sources: SAPS media statement; TNPA media statement; Provincial Communications media statement