UPDATE: Southbound carriageway re-opened to traffic at Mooi River
The southbound carriageway - that's heading from Johannesburg towards Durban - has been re-opened to traffic following violent unrest overnight on the N3 in Mooi River.
Seven trucks were torched on the highway, forcing the entire closure of the route in the vicinity of Mooi River.
The N3 Toll Concession's Con Roux says the Durban-bound lanes have since been re-opened.
"The southbound carriageway - where two trucks were torched in the early hours if this morning - has now been reopened. So traffic flow headed in the direction of Durban has been returned to normal," Roux said.
Motorists travelling towards Johannesburg can still expect major delays, as the northbound carriageway remains off-limits.
"As far as the northbound is concerned. It's a very different scenario - there were five trucks torched. They are busy with recovery proceedings and the necessary resources are on scene."
Roux says it's going to take a while for the five vehicles to be recovered.
"In the meanwhile, an extensive backlog has developed at the Mooi Plaza," Roux adds.
Roux is urging motorists travelling away from the coast to avoid the area.
Meanwhile, police say a group of men stormed the freeway at around 12.30am - torching seven vehicles before fleeing the scene.
Officers say none of the drivers were hurt. Charges of malicious damage to property have been opened at Mooi River Police for further investigation.
