Mbalula condemns N3 truck blockade as 'economic threat'

On Thursday, the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass came to a standstill when truckers parked and left their vehicles blockading the route in both directions.

It was the second such action in as many days after drivers obstructed the N3 between Warden and Villiers in the Free State on Tuesday in a protest over the employment of foreign drivers.

READ: RFA slams N3 shutdown as 'economic sabotage'

Mbalula has slammed the blockades as a threat to the economy. 

"Ultimately expressed an unequivocal statement to condemn this act of road blockages as they are not only unlawful but also has a huge potential to sabotage the economy and result in job loses."  

He says a task team set up to address the issues met on Tuesday.

"Following this latest meeting, the task team is now at a point where an agreement has been reached with all role players. 

"It is therefore commendable that we have now arrived at a point where all members agree on the issues which we all need to work collectively and individually to resolve in terms of challenges in the sector and usher much-needed next steps." 

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At the same time, the four truck drivers who were arrested on Thursday for their part in the Van Reenen's Pass blockade are appearing in the Ladysmith Magistrate's Court on Friday. 

"They have been detained for obstructing a national route, for damaging or interfering with essential infrastructure as well as economic sabotage," says KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Jay Naicker.