Mooi River: Over 50 arrested after violent protests

Over 50 people were arrested on Monday morning after torching trucks near Mooi River in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

News24 reports that the N3 highway in the area was a no-go zone after violent protest action broke out on Sunday afternoon, resulting in 35 trucks damaged, with the majority of them torched. A total of 54 people were taken into police custody following the violence.

According to police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, the protesters were throwing rocks and damaging property.

“It is believed that the people who were protesting and throwing stones as well as burning objects had causing extensive damages to property. Local police and neighbouring police stations were mobilised and dispersed a number of people who were looting the burning trucks,” she said.

The road remains closed, although the situation had significantly calmed down, and the 54 will appear in the Mooi River’s Magistrate’s Court later today.

“The situation is calm today although the road is still blocked due to the trucks that were burnt,” Mbhele said.

The protests began on Sunday afternoon, carrying on overnight and, according to eNCA, one person was critically injured.

This is not the first incident of public disorder in the area, as earlier this month, there were reports of looting on the exact same highway.

Trucks set on fire on the N3 near Mooi River. @SAPoliceService @FleetWatchCC @MakeSAsafe pic.twitter.com/29jWQzQJAT

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 29, 2018

N3 at Mooiriver a no-go zone. 15 trucks torched sofar and police reportedly attacked with live rounds. Truckers and other motorists to avoid area until its stabilized. #N3 @policepicsclips pic.twitter.com/9u6hAjPTev

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 29, 2018

Road Users cautioned to criminal actions targeting truck drivers on the N3 https://t.co/6BZhNoE7CT #ArriveAlive #N3 #MooiRiver @N3Route @FleetWatchCC @EMERGCONTROL @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/RLEydpL32Y

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 29, 2018

Clean-up operations are currently underway and KZN transport MEC, Mxolisi Kaunda is expected to make a visit to the area to conduct an assessment.

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