Transporters have been advised to proceed with extreme caution on main roads in KwaZulu-Natal after reports of violent protests on the N2 and N3 highways.
The Transit Assistance Bureau (Transist) this morning said that it had received alerts of trucks blocking the road on the N2 at Richards Bay.
The R34 is also said to be affected by protests.
Much further down the highway on the South Coast at Umgababa, truck drivers had apparently dumped their loads on the N2.
Back in the vicinity of the North Coast, sugar came farms near Empangeni were said to have been set alight.
In Durban, the following was reported: “Rocks (scattered around) and wood on fire just past the old airport.
“Stuff alight and scattered everywhere. Some cars pulled over and damaged.”
It was also reported that vehicles were being stoned on the N3 near The Pavilion Shopping Centre where rowdy protesters tried to petrol bomb a truck.
The N3 at Harrismith was also reportedly disrupted by protests.
Durban though seemed to be the worst hit, with reports coming through of the port and surrounding areas being shut down by protesters.
On the N2 near the M7 people were blocking the road and lighting fires.
Motorists and commercial traffic on Umgeni Road were also advised to use alternative routes as protesters were blocking the road near Connaught Bridge.
People were also advised to avoid the N2 at Blackburn Village between Umhlanga and Sibaya as tyres had been set alight on the road, resulting in all lanes being blocked.
Although it’s not clear whether the violence is in response to the incarceration of Jacob Zuma, Transist warned that protests were being planned for Estcourt where he’s in prison.
