Truck drivers stranded on N3 worried about their safety

Truck drivers who are among road users left stranded along the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal are calling on law enforcement agencies to embark on patrols for their safety and that of their cargo.

N3 in Howick closed as a result of inclement weather. Stranded truck drivers are calling on the law enforcement agencies to safe guard them as criminals could use the opportunity. @njabulomntungwa#SABCNEWS#SABCNEWSKZN pic.twitter.com/U71OlIADcQ

— Mlondi Radebe (@mlondiee) September 21, 2024

Motorists are stranded along the N3 Harrismith in the Free State due to heavy snowfalls.

The N3 between Harrismith and Tugela Toll as well as R617 between Kokstad and Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal have been closed due to severe weather conditions.

Other routes like the the N2 Ingeli and N3 near Mooi River are being closely monitored.

The drivers say whilst they are concerned about running out of fuel and food, their safety is also compromised as criminals could take advantage of this opportunity.

Truck drivers asking law enforcement for police patrols: 

Emergency teams

Meanwhile, MEC for Transport in KwaZulu-Natal Siboniso Duma says emergency teams have been dispatched to supply aid to those who are stranded.

He says it however could take some time.

“We’ve started the processes of clearance and might take us some time because we try to clear the surface after you just have to start the process again. In the meantime, we are just trying to issue the warning, but we are trying by all means. Unfortunately, even the choppers can’t fly around this density of the weather. We are trying and our RTI are on the road trying so we don’t have any fatalities on the road.”

Inclement Weather | More snow expected: