Umvoti toll office burns, temporary workers assaulted
Protesters turned on temporary staff brought in to operate the KZN tolls during the strike.
A small group of protesters demanding an increase in wages, as well as locals to be employed as temporary staff members. Photo: Sboniso Dlamini
An Umvoti toll plaza office in KwaZulu-Natal was set ablaze on Monday night, and four employees were injured this morning (Tuesday), after protesters returned to the N2, North Coast Courier reports.
This comes after Intertoll staff members downed tools on Monday morning, saying they want South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) to take over management, as they are currently receiving R2 900 per month.
READ MORE: Labour dispute strike causes major delays at Durban tolls
They demand their wages be increased to R6 000 a month.
The strike action effected peak-hour Monday morning traffic, with cars backed up in both the north and southbound lanes, as the tolls were short staffed.
Last night a group of protesters returned to the N2 near the Umvoti Toll Plaza, blocking the north bound lane of the highway with burning trees and tyres, and setting alight a small office at the toll.
The office at the Umvoti Toll was set alight by protesters on Monday night. Photo: IPSS Medical Rescue
Calm was restored after SAPS members arrived, however early this morning four toll workers were assaulted by the protesters.
According to one of the protesters, they are demanding that anyone hired as a temporary toll worker must be a local community member.
The N2 is open, and traffic is flowing.
The R102 in Ntshawini has also been reopened after protesters took to the streets, demanding the release of a man that was arrested in connection with a case of attempted murder.
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