Police in the Southern Cape have arrested a total of 28 suspects since Tuesday when a group of people blockaded the N2 highway near the turn-off to Piesang Valley drive-in Plettenberg Bay.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies, says reinforcements were sent to the area on Wednesday night after acts of violence and unlawful activities were reported in New Horizons as well as the Industrial area.
The Public Order Police as well as trained crowd control management members from neighbouring stations are still on scene monitoring the situation.
Sergeant Spies told AlgoaFM News that reopening the N2 remained a top priority but that it remained closed for now in the interests of public safety.
"Police action and investigation into the protests resulted in the arrest of 26 suspects overnight. The suspects were positively linked to incidents of public violence, burglaries at business premises and possession of stolen property. Some stolen items were also recovered during these arrests. They are still in custody and will appear in court soon," said Spies.
He added that a group of people also attempted to close the Airport road at Kranshoek near Plettenberg Bay on Thursday morning. Public order police members were dispatched to the scene and the group was dispersed. This road is currently being used for traffic between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
The N2 highway is still closed but the Public Order Police and other law-enforcement agencies will remain on the ground until the situation is stabilised.
Spies said the police were once again appealing to those participating in the protest action to act within the ambit of the law because lawlessness will not be tolerated.
"Members of the police will not hesitate to take decisive action when necessary," he said.
