North West police were outnumbered overnight as angry protesters shut down the entire town of Mahikeng.

Police vehicles were seen making u-turns together with other motorists looking for a way out as residents kept on barricading the roads with trunks‚ burning tyres and pelting stones.

Almost all intersections in Mahikeng and neighbouring villages were closed and police were unable to bring the situation under control.

Motorists‚ who wanted to go to Moshawane village and those wanting to cross the Ramatlabama Botswana border‚ were left stranded.

They had to park their cars next to the roads‚ as burning objects blocked their way.

“I am from Pretoria and wanted to visit my mother in Moshawane‚ I cannot pass‚” said Kabelo Dire‚ a motorist who has been stranded since 10.30pm.

Shops around town were also looted.

Foreigners are running for help as protesters have emptied their shops. Some residents were hit with rubber bullets fired by police.

Protesters say they want the North West premier‚ Supra Mahumapelo‚ to step down.

- SowetanLIVE