54 people face jail time for the torching of 35 trucks on N3

More than 50 people are expected to appear in the Mooi River Magistrates’ Court today facing public violence charges.

Fifty-four people were nabbed in connection with the violent protest where 35 trucks were damaged along the N3 freeway near the Mooi River toll plaza.

Police said the outcry by protesters started at about 7.30pm on Sunday. A group of people began throwing objects, says KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele.

Law enforcement have counted 35 trucks that were damaged. The situation remains calm and motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.

The outcry by protesters is reported to be linked to the employment of foreign nationals as truck drivers.

Online truck magazine FleetWatch reports the truck cleanup may continue until midday today, adding that the attacks were carefully and strategically orchestrated.

FleetWatch also says truck drivers are planning a total shutdown on May 1 on routes between Durban and Pietermaritzburg including the N3.

The trucking magazine also attributes the protests to the employment of foreign nationals, and further says the protesters are especially causing chaos at this time as many holidaymakers will be moving in and out of the province.

KZN provincial commissioner Major-General Bheki Langa has condemned the incident, saying it is unacceptable for people to vent their anger by damaging private and public property.

Langa said they would intensify their operations to ensure those responsible faced the full might of the law.