Police Minister General Bheki Cele has warned truck drivers to refrain from “unruly behaviour” and blockading roads.

This follows the arrest of 62 drivers and the impounding of 51 cargo carrying trucks on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal last week.

According to media reports local truck drivers blockaded the road last week in protest against the employment of foreign nationals as truck drivers at lower rates.

Cele said that 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 maintaining law and order in our country. No amount of pressure will divert our focus from stamping hard the authority of the State,” he added.

Full might of the law

The Minister reminded the truck industry of his open door policy for progressive engagements.

“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 engaging various industries on issues of national importance,” said Cele.

He said the trucking industry must be part of the solution, as drivers are raising genuine grievances.

“The employment processes of the industry must take into consideration the dynamics of the high unemployment rate of South Africans, while equally balancing the import of certain skills.”