Vuwani residents threaten to shut down village ahead of IEC registration

Residents were protesting against the merger of the Makhado and Malamulele municipalities, a decision made by the Municipal Demarcation Board last year. 

The police's Ronel Otto says the roads have been cleared and they were monitoring the situation.

"There is a strong police presence in the area with members of the public order policing patrolling and monitoring," Otto said.

Motorists were making use of the roads in the area on Friday morning after the barricades were removed.

READ: IEC ready for the first registration drive

Meanwhile, residents of Vuwani say the village will be shut down ahead of  voter registration weekend.

Community spokesperson Alex Ndou said residents were adamant - they won’t register.

"We can't go and and register when we are still in court with government together with the demarcation board. We feel the court will take its course in April," he said.

Ndou said IEC officials exacerbated the situation by forcing their way into the village. 

The IEC's Nkaro Mateta said those who want to register must be given the opportunity to do so. 

"We are in discussions with community leaders to make them understand that when they register, they register on the national common voters' roll," she said.

Mateta said she hoped there would be calm and peace in the area on Saturday.

Edited by Suné du Toit