Truck driver slain

The spike in freight truck attacks nationwide has now reached the South Coast.

A driver was shot and killed and his truck torched on the N2 near Paddock in the early hours of Monday morning this week.

ALSO READ : Former Sheppie truck driver caught in N3 drama

This is believed to be related to the hiring of foreign drivers.

Charles Ntini (37), a Zimbabwean, was found dead just metres from his burning truck which had been riddled with bullets.

“Police found Mr Ntini had sustained bullet wounds in the left arm and chest, and burns to his body. He was declared dead at the scene,” said police spokesman, Colonel Thembeka Mbele.

Mr Ntini ‘s employer, Durban-based SNB Freight, was approached for comment but despite several attempts to speak to the owner, no response had been received at the time of going to print.

The targeting of truck companies employing foreign drivers has left dozens dead and caused billions of rands in damage over the past months.

The N3 near Mooi River has been a particular hotspot.

According to a report by the Road Freight Association, 213 truck drivers had been killed over the past year.

Although it was not made clear how many of these deaths were linked to protests, the report had confirmed that 12 foreigners and at least three South Africans were among the victims.

The South African Long-Distance Truckers’ Facebook page posted a tribute to Mr Ntini, which read: “A trucker murdered in the line of duty. A life taken way too soon. A mother, a wife and children will not see their son their husband and their father.”

Social media users expressed their views, with many asking what the government was doing to ensure roads were safe.

Police have said that the motive for the attack is unknown at this stage and the case has been transferred to the Provincial Task Team for further investigation.

No arrests have been made.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

To receive our FREE email newsletter, click HERE