JOHANNESBURG - At least 45 people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing truck drivers on Gauteng’s East Rand on Thursday afternoon.

The arrests come after police caught the suspects throwing rocks at vehicles on the N12 highway in Boksburg.

The 45 people are the first to be taken into custody following three days of violent nationwide strikes.

On Monday, workers downed tools to demand for better wages, but negotiations between unions and employers stalled on Tuesday evening.

Officers from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) caught the men on a bridge above the N12, allegedly throwing bricks and other debris onto the busy road below, to disturb oncoming trucks.

The men have been charged with public violence.

According to the EMPD, the men will appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court soon.

On Wednesday, eight trucks were set alight and three highways were closed off to traffic due to the ongoing violence.