Video: Trucks torched in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KZN

Armed men have launched attacks on trucks and their drivers in separate incidents across the country.

In a matter of days, 17 trucks have been torched in three different provinces: KZN (nine), Mpumalanga (five) and Limpopo (three).

The first attack happened on Saturday night when Van Reenen’s Pass on the N3 in KZN had to be closed after six trucks were torched by several men who afterwards fled the scene.

The chief executive of the Road Freight Association, Gavin Kelly, told The Witness at the time that the motive for the attack was unknown. He said the trucks were not looted, which could indicate more was at play than robbery.

“The drivers were simply told to get out of the vehicles and the trucks were set alight. We are trying to find out who the operators [companies] are so that we can get a better understanding of the situation,” Kelly explained.

Trucks ablaze in Mpumalanga

Just over 24 hours later, Lowvelder reported that five trucks were set alight on the N4 between the ZASM Tunnel at Waterval Boven (Emgwenya) and Waterval Onder in Mpumalanga. The road was closed for several hours.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said two vehicles, a Toyota Hilux and a sedan, had stopped the trucks on the road just before midnight, instructed the drivers to get out of their vehicles and then set them alight.

Mohlala said four of the trucks were travelling uphill from Mbombela towards Machadodorp and the fifth was driving towards Mbombela when the incident occurred.

He told the publication that the motive was also unclear. “The police have since launched an investigation into this incident of malicious damage to properties. Anyone with any information is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app. Information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”

Trucks burn in Limpopo

Another incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning. Polokwane Review reported that a manhunt was launched for six suspects after three trucks were torched on the R547 Sekhukhune/Lydenburg Road in Limpopo.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the six men accosted a Scania truck driver en route to deliver chrome at a local mine. Two of the men, armed with firearms, instructed the driver to block the road with his truck and climb out through a window. The suspects then burnt the truck.

“Two more trucks that were driving behind were also burnt by the suspects, who later fled the scene,” Ledwaba’s statement read.

KZN targeted yet again

The latest incident happened last night in KZN – this time on the N2 between eNseleni and Empangeni – when three trucks were torched. The drivers escaped injury, managing to exit the trucks before they were engulfed by fire.

Zululand Observer reported that provincial SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said the truckers’ personal belongings were stolen.

The publication states that cases of theft, arson and attempted murder have been opened for investigation. It wrote that unconfirmed reports suggest foreign truck drivers are being targeted.

Union condemns ‘barbaric acts’

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) has released a statement condemning the attacks.

“This is an attack on our members and workers in the sector. The union is more than anything worried about the safety of its members. It is very clear that truck drivers are not safe at all in this country. It could have been worse… drivers could have lost their lives,” the statement reads.

Satawu labelled the incidents as attacks on the country’s economy ‘as road freight is one of the biggest sectors and contributes billions of rands to our economy’. The union called on employers to work with them to resolve the issue and urged them not to ‘hire illegal immigrants with no proper documents’.

National plan

When contacted by Caxton Local Media, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe was unable to say if the attacks are linked by motive and/or suspects, and if they are aimed at foreign nationals.

She said that a meeting to discuss the incidents was being held and that the SAPS would hold a press briefing at 12:00 tomorrow.