21 June 2018- Minister of Police General Bheki Cele has applauded swift
action by the police in maintaining law and order, this follows tough
action that resulted to an arrest of truck drivers and impounding of
several trucks that were blockading the N3 at Van Reenen Pass yesterday
( 20 June 2018).
A multidisciplinary approach of law enforcement agencies namely
SAPS, SANDF, RTI and Medical Services from KZN and the Free State, fire
fighters and N3TC, yielded positive results in restoring stabilization
and normalization on the N3 south and north bound of Van Reenen Pass. Police
action resulted in the arrest of 62 truck drivers and the immediate impounding
of 51 trucks (most carrying cargo).
Government has issued a strong warning against the recent practice of unruly
behaviour of blockading of roads by truck drivers. The first incident was
recorded during the Easter weekend in Mooi River followed by another on a
week later.
“We have laws in this country and the full might of the law will be heard
and felt. Our open door policy allows for progressive engagements at all
times. Our boardrooms are forever open to engage various industries on
issues of national importance” said Minister Cele.
“Police action will be very tough in maintaining law and
order, this barbaric behaviour will not be tolerated. Swift
and tough action by the police is once again an indication of
our commitment to maintain law and order in our country. No
amount of pressure will divert our focus from stamping hard
the authority of the state” Minister Cele added.
“We are appealing to the trucking industry to be part of the
solution and not create more room for distractive behaviour on
our roads. If drivers are raising genuine grievances then those must be
received by willing hearts and minds for a better and long lasting solution
in resolving the ongoing dispute. The employment processes of the industry must
take into consideration the dynamics of high unemployment rate of South Africans
while equally balancing the import of certain skills” Cele concluded.
ENQUIRIES: Reneilwe Serero - 071 492 0073
Email address: SereroR@saps.gov.za
|