Crackdown on freight industry as KZN targets employers hiring undocumented foreign truck drivers

KZN Transport MEC warns freight companies after arrests of undocumented foreign drivers on N3 expose labour abuses, safety risks.

October 27, 2025

Mbuso Kunene 1 minute read

A traffic officer inspects a truck being operated by an undocumented foreign national

Employers in the freight and logistics industry have been issued a strong warning after more than 15 undocumented foreign nationals were found driving trucks and motorbikes on the N3.

The KZN Department of Transport’s (DoT) Nenzani La Ezweni (‘what are you doing in the country?’) operation led to the recent arrests.

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“We are now gunning for the owners of these companies. I have mandated the RTI to arrest them for employing undocumented drivers who are turning our road networks into killing fields,” said Transport MEC Siboniso Duma.

The DoT has partnered with the SAPS K9 and Highway Patrol units, the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour and Employment, uMsunduzi Municipality Traffic, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, ADTF ASA (Truck Drivers’ Union) and the N3 Toll Concession.

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According to Duma, over 98 trucks have been stopped and 47 drivers interviewed. One Zimbabwean driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Duma added that five more foreign nationals were arrested for being in the country illegally or producing fraudulent documents, while another Zimbabwean truck driver was charged for transporting European tourists without a valid permit.

A Zimbabwean bus carrying foreign nationals was stopped and searched as part of the operation.

“While we are encouraged that our operation is yielding results, we have uncovered exploitative labour practices, financial fraud and human rights violations in the freight industry,” said Duma.

Interviews with truck drivers revealed widespread abuses, including:

• No written contracts or payslips
• Long working hours with no overtime, rest or leave days
• Illegal deductions and cash bribes to avoid detection
• Local drivers replaced by undocumented foreign nationals

“To stop the carnage on our roads, RTI will also target company owners. Honest operators must stand with us to protect this vital industry from rogue elements,” said Duma.

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