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.

Zuma approached the court despite him already being behind bars at the Escourt Correctional Services Facility.

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.

This is the latest in a series of sporadic protests that are taking place across the province.

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

Motorists warned to avoid N3 highway in Durban following protest, trucks set alight

The N3 highway in Durban from the Midmar Dam offramp to Pietermaritzburg has remained closed in both directions.

This is the latest in a series of sporadic protests that are taking place across the province.

Video | KZN Protests: Traffic Congestion on N3 due to protests

It is believed that at least 20 trucks were set alight in the vicinity of the Mooi River Toll Plaza on Friday night.

The KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) has warned motorists to avoid the N3.

Officials have now confirmed that 19 trucks in total have been torched at the Mooi River plaza and 6 on the N3 bringing the total ro 25. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/u8JBfckObT

— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) July 10, 2021

RTI officers are diverting motorists at the Midmar Dam offramp to alternate routes.

On Friday, law enforcement officials had their hands full following a series of protests across the province.

The aftermath of last night’s protest action #ShutdownKZN in KwaZulu-Natal which saw 5 trucks being burnt at the Mooi River plaza. We have also recieved confirmation that a further 6 trucks have been burnt at Mtubatuba. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/d3rCxjH3IW

— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) July 10, 2021

Luxury cars were seen burning on the N3, Mooi River Plaza late last night. Police closed the road immediately. We are still trying to establish whether it has been opened again and we are making our way to the scene. #sabcnews
Video supplied. pic.twitter.com/ZVIfKDd9kx

— Jayed-Leigh Paulse (@JayedLeigh) July 10, 2021