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Nzimande slams Mooi River Toll Plaza violence

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Transport Minister Blade Nzimande has strongly condemned violent protests at the Mooi River Toll Plaza.

Nzimande has labelled the destruction of state and private property, the looting and torching of trucks and blockading of a national route as an act of sabotage and disdain.  He says law enforcement agencies are on high alert on the N3 route and will continue monitor Mooi River.

54 people were arrested following a violent protest at Mooi River Toll Plaza on Sunday night, in which 18 trucks were looted and set alight.

The protest is allegedly over a labour dispute. South African truck drivers are said to be accusing foreign nationals of stealing their jobs. Foreign drivers are now pleading for government intervention.

Earlier this month, eight trucks were looted and torched in the same area.

KZN Transport, Community Safety And Liaison MEC, Mxolisi Kaunda says despite their dissatisfaction, people cant just break the law.  “People must understand that we are still a country with laws so we can’t break them and expect that nothing will be done. We are calling on the community to make sure that we calm the situation so that it can return to its normality.”

Trucks were carrying goods ranging from cars to food and stationery. The damage is expected to run into hundreds of millions of rand.

All suspects are facing a charge of being in position of stolen property. They are expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

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