Mooi River protestors had deeper motives: Logistics operators
Some operators in the transport and logistics industry believe there is more to Sunday night's violent protest at the Mooi River Toll Plaza than meets than the eye.
23 trucks were torched when a group of people targeted the heavy-duty vehicles on the N3 highway.
The protesters are apparently accusing truck companies of hiring foreign nationals as drivers instead of locals.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Willies Mchunu and MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mxolisi Kaunda met with truck operators to discuss the violence and find solutions yesterday.
NOW READ: KZN government to review trucking industry
Speaking to Newswatch after the meeting, Kevin Martin of the Harbour Carriers' Association said he believed the protesters had ulterior motives.
"I firmly believe there is a hidden agenda here that has nothing to do with transport or foreign drivers, [although] there is a legitimate concern around foreign drivers. The amount of destruction that we have seen and the timing of [the protest] over long weekends, what is the motivation," he asked.
Eight people arrested in connection with the violence appeared in court on charges of theft this week.
Some 48 others had charges against them dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Kaunda explained that officials are working to improve security along the entire route and not just in the vicinity of Mooi River.
Initial estimates are that the cost of the damage exceeds R200-million.
The protesters are apparently accusing truck companies of hiring foreign nationals as drivers instead of locals.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Willies Mchunu and MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mxolisi Kaunda met with truck operators to discuss the violence and find solutions yesterday.
NOW READ: KZN government to review trucking industry
Speaking to Newswatch after the meeting, Kevin Martin of the Harbour Carriers' Association said he believed the protesters had ulterior motives.
"I firmly believe there is a hidden agenda here that has nothing to do with transport or foreign drivers, [although] there is a legitimate concern around foreign drivers. The amount of destruction that we have seen and the timing of [the protest] over long weekends, what is the motivation," he asked.
Eight people arrested in connection with the violence appeared in court on charges of theft this week.
Some 48 others had charges against them dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Kaunda explained that officials are working to improve security along the entire route and not just in the vicinity of Mooi River.
Initial estimates are that the cost of the damage exceeds R200-million.