Home » 18 Trucks Torched, 35 Damaged, 54 Arrested in Mooi River, South Africa

18 Trucks Torched, 35 Damaged, 54 Arrested in Mooi River, South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says 54 people have been arrested in connection with violent protests – in which 18 trucks were torched – on the N3 freeway near the Mooi River Toll Plaza, in KwaZulu-Natal, last night. The KZN Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, said he “strongly condemned” the unlawful protest […]

By SAPeople
30-04-18 17:48
in Eish!

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says 54 people have been arrested in connection with violent protests – in which 18 trucks were torched – on the N3 freeway near the Mooi River Toll Plaza, in KwaZulu-Natal, last night.

The KZN Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, said he “strongly condemned” the unlawful protest action and explained: “Last night at 19:30 a group of people began throwing objects on the N3 freeway and set some trucks alight. A total of 35 trucks were damaged including those that were set alight.

“It is believed that the people who were protesting and throwing stones as well as burning objects had causing extensive damages to property. Local police and neighbouring police stations were mobilised and dispersed a number of people who were looting the burning trucks.”

The arrested suspects will appear at the Mooi River Magistrates’ Court later today.

Former Hawks spokesperson, McIntosh Polela, said he was stuck in the traffic for two hours yesterday while the angry mobs ran from truck to truck to torch them. “The air was so toxic, eyes burning, it was hard to breathe,” he said.

The situation is calm today, said SAPS, although the road is still blocked due to the trucks that were burnt.

Police are still monitoring the situation and are on high alert. Traffic is being diverted onto alternative routes for now.

UPDATE 10h45 Monday 30 April 2018: The South African Government has issued a statement saying: “Whilst all South Africans have the constitutional right to protest, government reiterates its condemnation against any form of violence and intimidation. #MooiRiver.”

Many twitter users have called for the youth to be seriously educated about the implications of protests on the economy. “This does not bode well for investors if they can’t move their goods around SA in a safe manner,” said one. “This is the blood & sweat of small & medium businesses. The same people we expect to be the backbone of this economy. They are literally being sabotaged through violence & intimidation. Same way as Uber and Taxify,” said another.

Peace activist Yusuf Abramjee asked where the authorities were during the torching of the trucks.

This is the second protest in the area this month. At least three trucks were torched over the Easter long weekend.

https://twitter.com/SimplyThandeka/status/990865128051691520