Nine people were arrested on Monday during a service delivery protest in Petrusburg near Bloemfontein, police said on Monday.
Sergeant Thabo Litabe said the group faced charges of public violence.
Obstacles blocking the N8 road between Bloemfontein and Kimberley were cleared and the road was re-opened for traffic by lunch time.
About 300 Petrusburg residents embarked on a protest over water delivery by blocking the N8 road with stones and burning tyres on Monday morning.
Commuters were unable to travel between Kimberley and Bloemfontein, and two buses were forced off the road.
Residents wanted a response to a memorandum of demands over water and sanitation provision delivered to the Letsameng municipality two weeks ago.
Litabe said police officers were at the scene to keep watch.
The municipality was not immediately available for comment. - Sapa