ATDF-SA official arrested after inciting violence

ATDF-SA official arrested after inciting violence. (Photo: Provided)

Police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested a national official of the All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF-SA) for allegedly inciting violence along the N3 southbound near Bergville on Saturday morning.

Col. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says police officers were carrying out patrols along the N3 when they noticed that the traffic was moving slowly until it came to a standstill.

“The officers went to investigate and arrested around 10 people who were blocking trucks.”

The suspects allegedly fled into nearby woods, after they noticed the presence of the police and left behind a white Isuzu bakkie with its doors open.

Preliminary investigations have found that the vehicle is linked to a prominent ATDF-SA official. The police apparently also found an ATDF-SA banner and stones in the van.

While officers were still at the scene, they saw a suspicious white VW Polo driving north on the N3. The police chased the vehicle and discovered that it had allegedly arrived to pick up the owner of the abandoned bakkie.

(Photo: Provided)

The driver of the Polo and a passenger, both identified as truck drivers, were arrested together with the owner of the bakkie.

Netshiunda says the owner of the bakkie can also be linked to an incident when a bus was pelted with stones at the N3 Colenso interchange shortly before his arrest.

According to the police, more charges may be added as the investigation continues.

(Photo: Provided)