Protesting South African truck drivers have blockaded the N12 highway between Bloemhof and Wolmaranstad at the Free State and North West border.
The N12 blockade started on Tuesday afternoon following the N3 truck blockade earlier on the same day. The N3 has since been reopened and traffic is flowing.
The N12 highway is an alternative route to N1 linking Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Police say the truck drivers’ action is against some local companies’ employment of foreign nationals as truck drivers in South Africa.
North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson Boitshoko Moremi says, “The N12 road between Bloemhof and Wolmaransstad and the road from Bloemhof towards Hoopstad is closed. This is due to a protest involving truck drivers. Road users are requested to use alternative roads.”
“Law enforcement officers who are currently on the scene request that caution be exercised. Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Sello Lehari pleads with motorists to cooperate. Law enforcement officers are on the scene ensuring the safety of all road users,” adds Moremi.
Watch the aerial view of the blockade below:
