25 trucks burnt in KwaZulu-Natal as “Free Zuma” protests take a fiery turn
It seems as if things are getting way out of hand in the Midlands province. Of late several videos have flooded social media indicating the state of affairs in KwaZulu-Natal after the arrest of Zuma. The protests have taken a fiery turn after more than 25 trucks were burnt yesterday night and in the early hours of today.
However, the government seems to be silent and taking less action in restoring order. KwaZulu-Natal protesters are calling for the release of the jailed former president Jacob Zuma. The Free Zuma protesters ramped up their campaign on Friday night after burning more than 25 trucks.
The N3 road has been closed and motorists have been urged not to use the route rather find alternative routes. Premier Sihle Zikalala has appealed for calm as protest action blocking traffic on several major highways in KwaZulu-Natal continues. Zikalala says it is believed that the protests are in connection with the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma.
Former President Jacob Zuma has lost his application for a stay of his arrest. The High Court in Pietermaritzburg handed down judgment on Friday. Zuma approached the court despite him already being behind bars at the Escourt Correctional Services Facility.
25 trucks burnt in KwaZulu-Natal as “Free Zuma” protests take a fiery turn
On Friday, protesters used burning tyres and rubble to blockade several key roads including the N3, N2 and M7. Traffic is being diverted off the N3 at the Midmar Dam offramp. The N3 highway in Durban from the Midmar Dam offramp to Pietermaritzburg has remained closed in both directions.
Despite all this the police are refusing to link the protests to the arrest of the former president, saying the protests were opportunistic.
Duduzile Zuma, the former president’s daughter, appeared to be celebrating and encouraging the arson of trucks on the N3, taking to social media to tweet: “Mooi River, we still see you, Amandla”.
Earlier on Saturday morning, she also appeared to be calling on other provinces to join in on the mayhem, tweeting: “Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State! Are You There? Nisa Right? Nisaphila? Amandla #FreeJacobZuma” – with several raised fist emojis.