The situation remained tense in Grabouw after service delivery protests broke out in the Western Cape farming town, causing school closures, looting and vandalism.
The N2 was closed from the Eskom turnoff and Pineview North entrance to The Orchards farm stall.
A resident of Melrose Place said she heard shots being fired until about 11pm yesterday, where informal housing near Gaffley Street had been broken down by protesters.
Police have lined Ou Kaapse Weg and Gaffley street to protect people wanting to walk to work.
Buses and motorists were being directed along alternative routes in the Caledon and Gordon's Bay area under police protection.
A relief unit of the public order police was sent to Grabouw, 65 km south-east of Cape Town along the N2 highway.
Reports of cars being stoned in the Pineview area were received today.
Many residents have complained about pupils not being able to finish their exam papers and had to be sent home for their safety, although it has been denied by John Michels, chairman of the Grabouw Civic Organisation and one of the main organisers of the protesters.
Oil was poured on the highway and later rocks and burning tyres were used to block access to the town.
Sapa