N3 Van Reenen's blockade holds trucking industry hostage, RFA says
The transport and logistics industry is being held captive, as the vital N3 route between the Port of Durban and the interior has been blocked again, with violence and looting having occurred, according to some reports, industry organisation Road Freight Association (RFA) CEO Gavin Kelly reported on December 3.
"Individuals have taken the law into their own hands to pull drivers from trucks to check their personal documents. The reports are that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is monitoring the situation.
"Law-abiding transporters are subjected to this. The RFA has called on government again to do what is necessary. They must deal with those who see themselves above the law, including arresting, detaining and investigating the inciters, those who perpetrate these acts and those who take it upon themselves to act like police or authorities of the State," Kelly said.
Employers that continue to break the law, are not registered with the various authorities as required by various legislative prescripts or continue to employ individuals at rates below the minimums must be dealt with, he added.
"The SAPS must intervene and take action, they cannot stand on the sidelines and only monitor. We are fast losing any respect as a safe, efficient and desirable route for the movement of goods out of, and into, Africa and even South Africa," said Kelly.
N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), meanwhile, noted in a midday update on December 3 that traffic in the area remained at a standstill, with all lanes of the N3 toll road closed.
"There is currently no indication as to when the obstruction of Van Reenens Pass will be resolved. Extensive traffic backlogs are being reported in both directions from KwaZulu-Natal to the Free State," it said.
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