The KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, announced a crackdown on the freight industry following a road safety operation on the N3 highway in Pietermaritzburg.During the operation, 11 trucks were impounded for violations including expired tyres, lack of transport permits, and overloaded vehicles.A driver was arrested for speeding at 130km/h in an 80km/h zone.

Duma emphasized that unsafe tyres significantly compromise vehicle safety, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, which are prone to skidding on wet surfaces.

The operation, part of Operation NenzaniLaEzweni, aims to address the influx of cheap, illegal tyres entering the local market, which are deemed unsafe for South African roads.

Authorities are collaborating with tyre manufacturers to combat this issue, highlighting the broader road safety strategy involving law enforcement agencies like Operation Shanela.The crackdown underscores the provincial government's commitment to reducing fatal accidents on the N3 corridor.