Female law enforcement officers have led a major KwaZulu-Natal road crackdown, resulting in the arrest of eight undocumented foreign drivers and the suspension of 52 vehicles.
The arrests were made in Pietermaritzburg as part of the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation, which targeted strategic road networks, including the N3, over the weekend.
A further 45 motorists are being prosecuted following the operation.
The spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, said the crackdown was also aimed at protecting local jobs and preventing disruptions along major freight routes.
“We have pointed out in the past that the hiring of undocumented foreign nationals in the freight sector has resulted in increased tension and disruptions along major routes through shutdowns linked to protests. This is costing our economy,” he said.
The operation comes as Women’s Month draws to a close, with female officers taking the lead in enforcing the law alongside officials from several government departments and municipalities.
These include the Road Traffic Inspectorate, traffic departments from Msunduzi, uMshwathi, uMkhambathini and Richmond, SAPS, the Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs and the Road Safety Directorate.
Sibiya said authorities would also target illegal goods while ensuring legitimate freight continues to move.
“We will intercept counterfeit and illegal goods as we facilitate the legal movement of goods as part of exports and imports.”
He said authorities would continue working with other government structures and stakeholders to assist truck drivers who had been displaced.
“As part of protecting local jobs and our economy, we will continue to work with other government departments, municipalities, and key stakeholders to assist truck drivers who have been displaced by undocumented foreign nationals.”
