Police condemn illegal blocking on major roads

The Acting Provincial Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has condemned the illegal blocking of the N3 yesterday that inconvenienced thousands of motorists in the province.

“There will be no negotiations with those who break the law. People found blocking our roads will be immediately arrested and detained. Vehicles used to bloc our roads will be towed and impounded. Those found gathering illegally will be dispersed by minimum force with maximum restraint that is necessary. We advise those that intend to demonstrate, to do so within the parameters of the law,” he said.

Those that intend to hold any gathering are advised to familiarise themselves with the relevant legislation and ensure that they follow the necessary processes to guarantee that their activities are legal. If the organisers of such demonstrations follow due processes, proper planning can be done and the citizens of this province can be informed in advance of possible disruptions to their routines. Illegal gatherings and road blocking inconvenience everyone as a few individuals infringe on the rights and freedoms of thousands.

“No matter how legitimate your concerns may be, we will not allow any person to break the law. We have displayed this in various parts of the province where roads were blocked,” added Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.

Yesterday, morning, on 18 July 2018, ten persons were arrested during the road blocking on the N3 and all of them are set to appear at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of public violence.