Three individuals, including a national office bearer of the All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF), have been arrested for allegedly inciting violence and leading a road blockade along the N3 southbound near the Bergville turnoff in KwaZulu-Natal this morning.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrests, stating that law enforcement officers were patrolling the area when they observed traffic slowing to a complete standstill. Upon investigation, officers discovered approximately 10 individuals actively stopping trucks. When police approached, the group fled the scene, abandoning their vehicles.
During continued vigilance at the scene, officers spotted a vehicle on the northbound entry ramp. Police followed the vehicle and observed it picking up a driver associated with an abandoned bag left at the southbound incident site. Following questioning, investigators established that the individual retrieved by the vehicle was the owner of the abandoned bag and part of the group disrupting traffic. He was subsequently arrested. Two additional truck drivers were taken into custody for allegedly interfering with the arrest process.
Colonel Netshiunda also addressed a separate incident at the Colenso interchange, where a bus was reportedly stoned. “There were no injuries, barring the fact that the driver had glass particles in his eyes,” he said. The driver was unable to continue, and passengers were transferred to another bus. Stones were later found inside the bakkie linked to the arrested ATDF office bearer. “For now, we are not certain if it was the bakkie which was used in the commissioning of that crime when the bus was stoned, or if it is a separate matter. We are investigating them separately for now,” Colonel Netshiunda explained.
The spokesperson assured the public that major highways in the province, including the N3 and N2, remain open with no significant blockages, crediting the visible presence of police, traffic officers, and other law enforcement agencies.
Colonel Netshiunda emphasized that law enforcement actions are impartial. “All are equal before the law. It does not matter what position you hold or which organization you belong to. When police enforce the law, they do not look at the name or title of the person,” he stated. He noted that the high-profile status of the ATDF office bearer only became apparent during the investigation.
Police have reiterated that any individual who blocks public roads or commits unlawful acts will face arrest. “Our duty is to enforce the law and ensure that the rights of those who want to travel freely are respected and protected,” Colonel Netshiunda said.