VIDEO | Trucks, buses set alight during protests

Nelson Mandela Bay police have warned motorists to steer clear of a number of roads around Gqeberha after early morning protests saw at least three trucks and two buses set alight during ongoing protest action.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the protests started just before 5am when a tanker truck was allegedly hijacked at the Engen garage in Markman before it was set alight on the corners of the M17 and R335 to Addo.

Almost an hour later at about 6am Beetge said two other trucks were set alight on the R335 and Old Grahamstown Road.

Then at about 7:30am two Algoa busses were set alight and burnt out on the M17 on the way to Kwazakhele.

“All five vehicles were completely destroyed,” Beetge said.

According to Beetge, the R334 and R335 crossing was a “no go” zone as well as the M17.

Beetge warned motorists to avoid the R75, where a brewery truck was set alight on Monday afternoon, as there were sporadic protests burning tyres.

Currently the M19 was still open with a heavy police presence.

Beetge said it was understood that the protests were related to service delivery issues.

According to him, public order policing members were keeping an eye on the situation.

HeraldLIVE