Africa Wild

Protest shuts down N4
A dispute between the community of Mataffin and Eskom resulted in protest action and protesters barricading the road between Cairn and Halls yesterday evening.
21 hours ago
Desire Fourie





Rubbish left behind after the protest.

Mataffin residents were reported to have had no electricity yesterday, allegedly shut down due to illegal connections, which ultimately led to protest action.

According to Brig Leonard Hlathi, SAPS were on the scene between 17:00 and 18:00 yesterday. In this time an Eskom official was also on the scene to negotiate with the community.

The dispute was settled, only to have the power cut off later in the evening, which resulted in members of the community barricading the N4, between Cairn and the ring road, between 23:50 and 00:50. SAPS were once again on the scene.



According to Solange Soares, the protesters damaged TRAC property by using road signage to block off the road. Protesters were also throwing rocks at vehicles and caused an accident.

“We don’t have a problem with protesting, however, we would like to remind the public that it should be done in a legal manner – without causing damage to other people’s property,” Soares commented.

No one was arrested during the protest action.



Lowvelder contacted Eskom for a comment and is waiting on its reply. The article will be updated as soon as Eskom has responded.

https://lowvelder.co.za/520137/protest-shuts-n4/

Richprins wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2020 9:21 am Protest shuts down N4
A dispute between the community of Mataffin and Eskom resulted in protest action and protesters barricading the road between Cairn and Halls

Because causing as much disruption as you can is the solution

Which stretch is this?

Right before Nelspruit coming from Gauteng. Mataffin is a suburb.

They caused an accident but no one was arrested

No one was arrested during the protest action.

How come? With all the damages done Whay are they always treating the community members with silk gloves, when they are protesting, moreover being in the wrong

The more people are wrong, the more aggressive they become

Kruger National Park
@SANParksKNP
·
6m

Alert


There is a reported protest action on the N4 Hectorspruit - Marloth Park. The ROAD IS CLOSED. Guests are advised to use alternative routes to access Crocodile Bridge and Malelane gate. More updates will be posted as received.

It would be great to know the reason for the protest

Don’t even think they know why they are protesting

Where can I sign up for an Illegal Connection and get Illegal FREE electricity ..My Wife and I pay R 1200 per month ..

Perhaps one could consider another view

It's the rebellion of the poor, being tired of peaceful methods of raising concerns, lobbying and claim-making. I can relate to the desperation experienced by those communities living on the peripheries of local communities and margins of society. The most disadvantaged are more vulnerable because of poor service delivery where bad or no-governance is the order of the day.