A local truck driver has lived to tell the tale after coming under attack by violent protesters on the N3 near the Mooi River toll plaza on Monday this week.
Thousands of holidaymakers heading back to Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal after the Easter weekend had their journey interrupted as angry protesters barricaded the road with burning tyres and petrol bombed trucks.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : Fertility doctor secretly used his own sperm to help mom conceive her, child discovers
The protesters were reportedly South African truck drivers who blamed foreign nationals for their unemployment, claiming that trucking companies are employing foreigners, thereby denying South African citizens a fair chance of getting jobs.
Jimmy Dlezi (42) formerly from Port Shepstone and now living in Umbilo, Durban, is one of the drivers whose truck was torched at the toll plaza.
Mr Dlezi said he was approaching the tollgate at about 3.45am when he saw the burning tyres across the highway.
“Given the size of the truck, I was unable to make a U-turn, and the protesters began stoning my vehicle. I tried to phone my employer, but the protesters were already climbing onto the truck.”
He jumped from the cab and tried to escape, but was soon caught by the mob.
“The people were all armed with sticks and stones and one of them had a knife. All of them were saying I was a foreigner who had taken a job which should have been theirs.
“I begged them not to hurt me, telling them to look at my driver’s licence to confirm I am South African. They took my licence, my wallet and my cellphone, but threatened to pour petrol on me and the truck,” said the shaken father of three.
When the rear of the 26-wheel truck was set alight, Mr Dlezi again tried to flee, but was again caught.
“I feared the worst, but thank goodness the police arrived and I was taken to the police station.”
Suren Hansraj, speaking on behalf of Mr Dlezi’s employer, SNB Freight in Durban, said they were very pleased that Mr Dlezi had escaped unharmed from the terrifying ordeal.
He added that the truck was completely destroyed and its cargo of alcohol, valued at R550 000, had either been destroyed or looted.
Transport department spokesman, Kwanele Ncalane, condemned the violent protest.
“The N3 is an economic corridor; it can’t just be closed because people are unhappy with their conditions of employment,” he said.
Police have confirmed that at least 10 people had been arrested for public violence.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
