UPDATE: N3 at Van Reenen's Pass reopened, arrests made

UPDATE: N3 at Van Reenen's Pass reopened, arrests made

The N3 Toll Concession says all lanes - both north and southbound at Van Reenen's Pass - have been re-opened.  

Traffic standstill on N3 at Van Reenan's Pass
Twitter - Ruben Ramsamy

More than 60 people have been arrested for public violence following the wave of unrest on the national highway's stretch between Harrismith and the Tugela Plaza. 

An illegal protest over pay and the employment of foreign drivers saw truckers blockade the busy thoroughfare which links Johannesburg and Durban.   

Authorities eventually moved in early this morning and dispersed them. 


The police's Thembeka Mbele says the road is open now but traffic is moving slowly.

"62 suspects have been arrested and charged for public violence and obstructing traffic. They will be appearing soon in the nearest magistrate's court in Van Reenen. There were no damages reported and the N3 is opened now," Mbhele said. 

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Congestion on Van Reenen's Pass begins to clear

The N3 Toll Concession says vehicles were stacked over a distance of around 10 kilometres in both directions. More than 60 trucks had to be towed away.

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