Police Minister Bheki Cele applauds swift action by the police in bringing law and order at Van Reenen Pass

Minister of Police Bheki Cele has applauded swift action by the police in maintaining law and order, this follows tough action that resulted to an arrest of truck drivers and impounding of several trucks that were blockading the N3 at Van Reenen Pass yesterday ( 20 June 2018).

A multidisciplinary approach of law enforcement agencies namely SAPS, SANDF, RTI and Medical Services from KZN and the Free State, fire fighters and N3TC, yielded positive results in restoring stabilization and normalization on the N3 south and north bound of Van Reenen Pass. Police action resulted in the arrest of 62 truck drivers and the immediate impounding of 51 trucks (most carrying cargo).

Government has issued a strong warning against the recent practice of unruly behaviour of blockading of roads by truck drivers. The first incident was recorded during the Easter weekend in Mooi River followed by another on a week later.

“We have laws in this country and the full might of the law will be heard and felt. Our open door policy allows for progressive engagements at all times. Our boardrooms are forever open to engage various industries on issues of national importance” said Minister Cele.

“Police action will be very tough in maintaining law and order, this barbaric behaviour will not be tolerated. Swift and tough action by the police is once again an indication of our commitment to maintain law and order in our country. No amount of pressure will divert our focus from stamping hard the authority of the state” Minister Cele added.

“We are appealing to the trucking industry to be part of the solution and not create more room for distractive behaviour on our roads. If drivers are raising genuine grievances then those must be received by willing hearts and minds for a better and long lasting solution in resolving the ongoing dispute. The employment processes of the industry must take into consideration the dynamics of high unemployment rate of South Africans while equally balancing the import of certain skills” Cele concluded.