SIX undocumented immigrants driving trucks were arrested on Thursday at the Pinetown weighbridge.

Ndabezinhle Sibiya, the spokesperson for the MEC of Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma, described the trucks as “moving coffins” due to “mechanical failures”, and said these were impounded.

Sibiya said the arrests were part of a two-month long operation by the department and added that Duma has warned truck owners that they too will face “severe consequences”.

“We continue to heap praises on the Road Traffic Inspectorate for intensifying Operation Nenzani la Ezweni. While RTI is systematically ending the road carnage, we are also turning our focus on the owners of trucks.

Also read: Police urge locals to join fight against crime

“We want them to face consequences for employing illegal foreign nationals in violation of immigration regulations and  the National Road Traffic Act.

“RTI is working jointly with Home Affairs Immigration Unit, SAPS, Durban Metro Police and other agencies,” said Sibiya.

The communications officer at the Pinetown SAPS, Jennifer Naidu, said the undocumented immigrants were arrested for not having the necessary documents to be in the country legally.

She added that the arrested drivers are expected to appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, festive season multi-disciplinary operations were underway at the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on Thursday morning.

Naidu said the national traffic police issued 180 fines at the operation, whilst the Cross Border Road Transport Agency issued nine notices and a R37 000 fine was paid, and the RTI issued 47 fines worth R120 000, whilst 66 fines were issued by the Metro Police.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here