POLICE have reportedly contained the original protest which seriously affected the flow of traffic on the N3, near Mariannhill Toll Plaza, on Friday morning. Traffic was affected for a short while before one lane was reopened to traffic with protesters being kept to the side.

However, reports on social media, indicating another group is making its way to the scene at the toll plaza, are leading many to recommend that people continue to avoid the area.

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The protests, led by trade union congress, Cosatu’s KwaZulu-Natal branch has included calls for an end to fuel price increases, improvements in effective and affordable public transport, and the nationalisation of key assets.

Unions affiliated to Cosatu were also participating in the protests.

VIDEO: Traffic on the N3 towards the toll plaza both ways has been adversely affected by the protestors.

Although  Cosatu’s provincial secretary Edwin Mkhize said the demonstration would be peaceful, it has caused a lot of traffic delays and authorities are warning motorists to avoid the area.

According to reports from motorists and others via WhatsApp groups and Twitter, the traffic between Pietermaritzburg and Durban is backed up for many kilometres.

Just before 11.30am today, reports were that the protestors were moving towards the toll booths and traffic was being redirected along an alternative route.

Two areas along the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban have been identified on GPS services as being “protests areas” as at 11am on Friday morning. These areas included Inchanga and the N3 from Mariannhill south of Pinetown and Kloof.

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