The arrest this morning of two semi-collective hauliers was the main cause of the confusion that ensued at the Matola tollbooth, National Road Number 4.

The fact is that two individuals, "chapeiros", were detained by the police when they tried to open the gates of the charging station to cross without paying the toll, according to the images circulated.

This angered other drivers, who immediately interrupted their usual routes, leaving passengers in the middle of the journey.

As a result of this situation, several residents from different parts of Maputo province, heading for Maputo city, were forced to continue their journey on foot. Many were bound for hospitals or workplaces, and reported that the situation caused embarrassment.

At the time, the chapeiros also claimed that they were being harassed and unduly charged by the authorities, and said that they could no longer work under these conditions.

Hauliers accuse the concessionaire of National Road Number 4 of charging fines for the days that vehicles have passed through the toll without paying.

The Rapid Intervention Unit was on standby along the EN4 to prevent any unrest on the part of the demonstrators.

Image DR