Sanral condemns violence at toll plaza

Issued by SANRAL
Johannesburg, Mar 23, 2018

The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) condemns the violence that erupted at its uMvoti toll plaza today.

"We are deeply disappointed and very concerned about the use of violence by striking workers. While it is a right to engage in a protest action in our constitutional democracy, violence, intimidation and property damage can never be condoned," says Sanral CEO Skhumbuzo Macozoma.

Sanral has called on both Intertoll and Satawu - as employer and organised labour respectively - to find a speedy and amicable resolution to the current impasse that has escalated to violence and destruction of property.

"We sincerely hope that consensus is reached that will benefit workers, and that this agreement is achievable within the current South African economic reality," says Macozoma.

"We are saddened by the injury of four temporary workers at the uMvoti toll plaza. The police are investigating charges of wilful damage to property. Intertoll will cooperate with the investigation by providing authentic footage of the crimes being committed and have identified suspects," he says.

The agency has requested a stronger presence of all relevant enforcement agencies in the area, to assist with calming down the situation and providing safe passage to the motoring public and all road users. At this stage, vehicles are passing normally through the plazas.

"The safety and security of road users and Intertoll staff remains our utmost priority at this stage. We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to minimise disruption and eradicate criminality," Macozoma concludes.