Motorists are urged to avoid the N1 near Winburg in the Free State due to ongoing community protests.

Free State police spokesperson Lorraine Earle says public order police have been deployed to maintain law and order after protesters closed off the road with stones and burning tyres.

Earle has urged motorists to use alternative routes.

“Those travelling from Bloemfontein are advised to use the R30 towards Brandfort and from Kroonstad use the Welkom route towards Bloemfontein.”

Earle says traffic has been completely blocked from both directions.

She says the reason for the grievance is unknown at this stage.

N1 road at Winburg has been temporarily closed following an incident of public unresthttps://t.co/FojeLCAPqU#ArriveAlive #Protest @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/HD0gXb7RcJ

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) September 30, 2025