Truck torched KZN

Several trucks have been torched in KZN and Cape Town as the national shutdown continues. Photo: Twitter/SA Truckers

KZN protests: At least 27 people arrested so far, police say

Police say they are on the search for more suspects they believe were behind the torching of trucks in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)

Truck torched KZN

Several trucks have been torched in KZN and Cape Town as the national shutdown continues. Photo: Twitter/SA Truckers

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has said that 27 suspects have so far been arrested, in connection with the ongoing unrest in parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Parts of the province have been the scenes of chaos recently, as people take to the streets, calling for the release of former president Jacob Zuma. Nearly 30 trucks have been torched since Friday on several key routes, including the N2 and N3 highways.

In a statement, the SAPS bemoaned the demonstrations and said they were still on the search for more suspects.

“It is with this in mind that the South African Police Service has condemned these acts of lawlessness that seek to undermine the authority of the State; and issued a stern warning to those behind the threats of more violence to refrain from these acts of incitement circulated on various social media platforms,” said SAPS spokesperson Mmathapelo Peters.

“To this end, 27 suspects have been arrested since yesterday on various charges that include: public violence, business burglary, malicious damage to property, and contravention of the DMA lockdown regulations. This comes after an unconfirmed number of trucks were torched and looting of several businesses in the Mooi River CBD. Efforts are afoot to track and trace more suspects”

SAPS spokesperson Mmathapelo Peters

Police still manning situation in KwaZulu-Natal

The SAPS said they would continue keeping an eye on the demonstrations in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to avoid matters from getting out of hand.

For now, nobody has been reported dead as a result of the torching of the trucks.

“At this stage, the N3 at Mooi River remains closed as police and local authorities have joined efforts to remove the torched trucks, debris and burning tyres that were used by protesters to barricade several roads. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes or approach with caution,” Peters said.