This story has been updated…

12 truck drivers will be appearing in court today (December 6). They were arrested for blocking the N3 near Van Reenen on Friday (December 3).  

During the protest, the truck drivers got out of their vehicles and removed the keys from the ignition, The trucks were parked across the highway, causing traffic to come to a standstill the entire day.

Police, N3TC and RTI responded to the scene and began the process of moving the vehicles.

Specialised units deployed

Various specialised units from throughout the province were mobilised and also helped to get the trucks moved off the road.

Arrests

Truck drivers whose vehicles were obstructing the flow of traffic and who refused to obey instructions by police officers were arrested.

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Detectives from the Provincial Investigative Unit took charge of the investigation at the scene.

The suspects were charged for contravention of the Criminal Law Amendment Act – Infrastructure Contravention, Intimidation, Economic Sabotage, as well as contravention of the Road Traffic Act. 

Update: The truck drivers were denied bail. They remain in police custody until Monday, December 13, when there will be a formal bail application.

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