Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have taken three people into custody in connection with incidents of violence and road disruption along the N3 corridor. Among those arrested is a national office bearer of the All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF), according to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
The arrests followed a police patrol along the N3 southbound near the Bergville turnoff earlier today, when officers observed traffic progressively slowing until it halted completely. Upon reaching the source of the disruption, investigators encountered roughly 10 individuals who were preventing trucks from proceeding. As law enforcement approached, the group dispersed, leaving their vehicles behind.
While securing the area, officers noticed a bakkie positioned on the northbound entry ramp. Police pursued the vehicle and witnessed it collecting a driver connected to an abandoned bag discovered at the southbound scene. Subsequent questioning revealed that this individual owned the abandoned bag and had participated in the truck-stopping operation. He was placed under arrest. Two additional truck drivers were detained for allegedly obstructing the arrest procedure.
Colonel Netshiunda also provided details regarding a separate event at the Colenso interchange, where a bus was struck with stones. “There were no injuries, barring the fact that the driver had glass particles in his eyes,” the spokesperson stated. The affected driver was unable to continue operating the vehicle, necessitating the deployment of a replacement bus to transport passengers. Investigators later discovered stones inside the bakkie associated with the arrested ATDF representative. “For now, we are not certain if it was the bakkie which was used in the commissioning of that crime when the bus was stoned, or if it is a separate matter. We are investigating them separately for now,” Colonel Netshiunda added.
The spokesperson confirmed that both the N3 and N2 highways—the primary transport routes in the province—remain fully operational with no active blockages. This stability, he noted, is attributable to the coordinated deployment of police, traffic officials, and additional law enforcement resources throughout the region.
Addressing the broader implications of the arrests, Colonel Netshiunda stressed the impartial application of legal authority. “All are equal before the law. It does not matter what position you hold or which organization you belong to. When police enforce the law, they do not look at the name or title of the person,” he affirmed. He clarified that officers were initially unaware of the senior role held by the ATDF member; this detail surfaced only as the investigation progressed.
Law enforcement has issued a clear warning that any person who obstructs public roadways or engages in unlawful conduct will face arrest. “Our duty is to enforce the law and ensure that the rights of those who want to travel freely are respected and protected,” Colonel Netshiunda concluded.