An ATDF-ASA banner discovered in the abandoned bakkie, linked to the incident that escalated into chaos and led to the arrests of the secretary general and two others during a peaceful protest.
Denying claims of violent blockades near Bergville, the All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) has criticised the South African Police Service (SAPS), alleging that officers used live rounds during a peaceful demonstration.
The response comes after three individuals, including a national office bearer, identified by the ATDF-ASA as their secretary general (SG), were arrested on Saturday morning for alleged public violence and inciting disruption on the N3 southbound.
The ATDF-ASA interim committee issued a statement demanding a full and transparent investigation into the police’s conduct, claiming the law enforcement response represented an unprovoked escalation of a peaceful industrial action.
“The demonstration in question was entirely peaceful. There was absolutely no violence, destruction of property, or intimidation taking place,” a statement from the committee read, clarifying that the action was a standard ‘go-slow’ demonstration, and regular traffic was passing by normally without any disruption.
