Truck drivers have threatened to down tools this weekend. Photo: The Witness/Nash Narrandes
As truck drivers threaten to down tools this weekend, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) warned lawlessness will not be tolerated.
Police will be on high alert, ready to “prevent and combat any form of criminality.”
Truck drivers have vowed to embark on the national shutdown on Sunday, which is expected to disrupt major transport routes, including the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban
The N3 Toll Concession reported busy traffic conditions heading southbound towards KwaZulu-Natal on the N3 Toll Route at the start of the long weekend.
Natjoints spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said resources have been mobilised. Measures are in place to prevent and combat any forms of lawlessness.
“The Natjoints and respective Provjoints have been meeting daily to monitor the situation and associated risks,” Mathe said.
“With this said, multi-disciplinary joint law enforcement operations are underway and law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to heighten police visibility to prevent and combat any form of criminality,” Mathe said.
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Mathe added that private security companies have also pledged their support in working together with the police to combat criminality.
“Thus, the Natjoints assures the nation that no lawlessness in the form of barricading of roads, torching of trucks and looting of goods from those operating will be tolerated.
“The Natjoints is calling on those who are partaking in the protest to do so peacefully and respect those who do not wish to partake in the strike.
“To this end, those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law are warned that law enforcement officers will not hesitate to respond accordingly within the ambit of the law,” she said.
Natjoints has also assured the public that the “enforcement of the law will be applied within relevant prescripts to ensure people’s freedom of movement is not prohibited and that stability prevails throughout the country.”
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