The Mooi River Toll Plaza on the N3 in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands remains closed. It is now believed that at least 25 trucks were burnt by protesters on Friday night.
On Friday, law enforcement officials had their hands full with a series of protests scattered across the province. It is now believed that at least 25 trucks were burnt by protesters on Friday night.
IN PICTURES: Scenes from protests in KZN
KZN Premier calls for calm amid protest actions, trucks set alight
Premier Sihle Zikalala has appealed for calm as protest action blocking traffic on several major highways in KwaZulu-Natal continues. Zikalala says it is believed that the protests are in connection with the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma.
Former President Jacob Zuma has lost his application for a stay of his arrest. The High Court in Pietermaritzburg handed down judgment on Friday.
On Friday, protesters used burning tyres and rubble to blockade several key roads including the N3, N2 and M7. Traffic is being diverted off the N3 at the Midmar Dam offramp.
The N3 highway in Durban from the Midmar Dam offramp to Pietermaritzburg has remained closed in both directions.
Zikalala has called for peaceful engagement. He says several vehicles were reportedly stoned public infrastructure damaged resulting in many commuters not being able to reach their places of work.
“It’s is reported and believed that the protests are on the incarceration of former President and his excellency comrade Jacob Zuma. We understand the extreme anger of the people who are protesting, however, we call on those who are protesting to do so through peaceful means and avid violence and destruction at all costs,” says Zikalala.
Video: KwaZulu-Natal government calls for calm amid protests
