Truck Protest: Police Arrest ATDF-SA Member for Alleged Incitement of Violence

Durban – Officials in KwaZulu-Natal have apprehended a national representative from the All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF-SA) for allegedly inciting violence on the southbound N3 near Bergville.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the arrest occurred during the early hours of Saturday, 30 May 2026.

Colonel Netshiunda reported that officers on patrol along the N3 noticed a significant slowdown in traffic, which ultimately came to a standstill.

“Upon further investigation, police found about 10 individuals obstructing trucks,” the spokesperson disclosed.

“When the suspects spotted the police, they fled into nearby bushes, leaving behind their vehicle, a white Isuzu bakkie, with all doors ajar.”

Initial investigations indicated that the bakkie was registered to a prominent representative of ATDF-SA.

Inside the vehicle, law enforcement discovered an ATDF-SA banner and some stones.

While present at the scene, police observed a suspicious white VW Polo heading northbound on the N3.

“After pursuing it, they found out that the vehicle was there to retrieve the owner of the abandoned bakkie,” Colonel Netshiunda elaborated.

“The driver of the Polo, along with a passenger who were both identified as truck drivers, were arrested along with the driver of the bakkie they intended to assist.

“The owner of the bakkie is believed to be linked to the stoning of a bus at the N3 Colenso interchange shortly before his arrest.”

The suspects are currently undergoing processing, and more charges may be added.

Earlier this month, ATDF-SA announced intentions for a protest scheduled for today, Saturday, 30 May 2026, impacting major routes N2 and N3.

Their concerns include opposition to the hiring of undocumented foreign nationals in the trucking industry, insufficient enforcement of labor and immigration laws, and worries regarding the anticipated Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences demerit system.