THE Kruger National Park says its Numbi Gate near Hazyview will remain closed to ensure the safety of visitors.
The decision to close the gate follows the outbreak of violent service delivery protests in the area.
The violence started on Sunday in places such as Mahushu, Mganduzeni, Jerusalem, Masoyi, Polar and Siwalala. Others erupted between White River and the growing tourist town of Hazyview.
Members of the community, who are demanding water, electricity, decent roads and jobs for the youth, burnt tyres and barricaded the road that links Numbi Gate to Hazyview and White River.
The situation worsened on Monday and Tuesday. The road has been closed since the violent protests broke out on Sunday. But the road was opened for traffic yesterday.
A few protesters continued to strike yesterday but the situation was gradually showing signs of calming down.
"The Numbi Gate will remain closed until we are completely sure things have returned to normal," park spokesman William Mabasa said yesterday. "We heard that the road was functioning today but that the situation remains tense. We are not going to take chances."
Mbombela municipality announced that it was pumping water from a pump in KaNyamazane to make sure the affected areas had water from yesterday.
More than 50 people arrested for public violence were expected to appear in court yesterday.
Violent Kruger Park protesters close roads
THE Kruger National Park says its Numbi Gate near Hazyview will remain closed to ensure the safety of visitors.
The decision to close the gate follows the outbreak of violent service delivery protests in the area.
The violence started on Sunday in places such as Mahushu, Mganduzeni, Jerusalem, Masoyi, Polar and Siwalala. Others erupted between White River and the growing tourist town of Hazyview.
Members of the community, who are demanding water, electricity, decent roads and jobs for the youth, burnt tyres and barricaded the road that links Numbi Gate to Hazyview and White River.
The situation worsened on Monday and Tuesday. The road has been closed since the violent protests broke out on Sunday. But the road was opened for traffic yesterday.
A few protesters continued to strike yesterday but the situation was gradually showing signs of calming down.
"The Numbi Gate will remain closed until we are completely sure things have returned to normal," park spokesman William Mabasa said yesterday. "We heard that the road was functioning today but that the situation remains tense. We are not going to take chances."
Mbombela municipality announced that it was pumping water from a pump in KaNyamazane to make sure the affected areas had water from yesterday.
More than 50 people arrested for public violence were expected to appear in court yesterday.