Protest Update: 35 trucks burnt on N3 at Mooi River, recovery and clean-up operations are continuing, with 54 arrested
The situation on the N3 is calm today, although the road is still blocked due to the trucks that were burnt
Clean-up and recovery operations are continuing, with both the northbound and southbound lanes still closed after last night’s protest action on the N3 at the Mooi River Toll Plaza.
The Mooi River Toll Plaza is still currently closed, with no vehicles able to pass through the toll gate.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, has strongly condemned the unlawful protest action.
“This is totally unacceptable and we will not condone people venting their anger by damaging private and public property or blockading our national roads. We will intensify our operations and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law. Any person who blocks our national roads will be treated as an ordinary criminal and will face the full might of the law. There are many avenues for people to voice their grievances, and resorting to criminality is definitely not one of them,” he said.
Last night (April 29) at about 7.30pm, a group of people began throwing objects onto the N3 freeway and set some trucks alight.
A total of 35 trucks were damaged, including those that were set alight.
Local police and neighbouring police stations were mobilised, and dispersed a number of people who were looting the burning trucks.
A total of 54 people were arrested and will face charges of public violence.
Also read: Protest Update: 10 trucks torched, N3 still closed at Mooi River (No Go Area)
The arrested suspects will appear in the Mooi River Magistrate’s Court later today (April 30).
The situation on the N3 is calm today, although the road is still blocked due to the trucks that were burnt. Police are monitoring the situation and are on high alert. Traffic is being diverted onto alternative routes for now.
The following alternative routes can be used:
– Southbound traffic is being diverted at Estcourt through Pietermaritzburg and Greytown.
– The northbound traffic flow is being diverted at Mooi River (Wimpy ramp) onto the R103 and then back onto the N3 at Hidcote.
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