A truck carrying a heavy load of juice was looted and set alight on the N6 on Thursday, allegedly by Stutterheim protesters.
It was traveling from East London towards Komani.
Seventeen people have been arrested for public violence and malicious damage to property, said King William's Town police spokesperson Captain Siphokazi Mawisa.
Mawisa said the incident occurred at 1pm.
"Police are still at Stutterheim monitoring the situation," said Mawisa
Eastern Cape transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the incident brought traffic to a standstill for a short period. "The road has now been opened for traffic. Traffic is moving smoothly on both lanes. Initially we had to open one lane."​
"These acts of criminality are strongly condemned and police will continue to take a zero tolerance approach against the perpetrators,"King Williamstown Police Cluster Commander Brigadier Luntu Ngubelanga. Mawisa said:" although the road is open, sporadic incidents are being reported. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes until the situation normalises."
The arrested suspects are due to appear at Stutterheim Magistrate Court soon...