NATIONAL NEWS - South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) says it is investigating reports of illegal ‘tollgates’ set up on roads outside Groblersdal where residents are extorting money from passing motorists.
Residents have resorted to blocking the road using make-shift illegal tollgates. In a post on Twitter Yusuf Abramjee says they “criminals are extorting money, forcing drivers to pay between R10 and R20 or they threaten to burn their vehicle”.
On Tuesday, 28 January protesters blocked several main roads in and around Moutse and Dennilton in a service delivery protest, in demand of water and better health care services.
Sanral has since condemned this action saying that according to law, only licensed providers are permitted to manage and operate tolls on South African roads. The agency is working in conjunction with the police and traffic authorities to investigate these incidents, says Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager Communications.
Motorists who come across any illegal blockages are urged to report the matter to their nearest police station or relevant traffic authorities.
“The safety of our road users remains paramount and we will take action to remove any illegal structures on Sanral’s roads,” Mona concludes.
