KZN calls for responsibility within trucking industry

Two trucks were set alight on the N3 and N2 in Ashburton and Kokstad on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

NOW READ: Truck strike gets underway

Police say the drivers of both vehicles were ambushed while they were were stationary.   

Cases of malicious damage to property, hijacking and armed robbery have been opened.  

Messages about the strike were circulated online and via WhatsApp last week. Transport union, Satawu has distanced itself from the action.  

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Premier Sihle Zikalala's spokesperson Bongani Tembe says they are completely against the attacks on trucks.

"We are totally against the damaging of property and trucks. If there is a strike, people should not burn trucks," said Tembe.

"We respect their right to embark on industrial action, but we call on them not to damage property. If there are such incidents, we call on the police take the necessary action and arrest those who burn trucks."

Meanwhile, the recent acts of violence to rock the industry have brought Cabinet Ministers together for an urgent meeting.

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The heads of Labour, Transport and Police have released a joint statement condemning threats by truckers to shutdown the country's key routes including the N2 and N3.  

They have described the ongoing violence as economic sabotage.  They held talks last night to discuss how to handle the situation should things escalate.

Police have been instructed to increase their visibility in hot spot areas and act against anyone breaking the law.