On Sunday night, five trucks were burnt on the N4 highway near the Waterval Boven area in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the motive behind these attacks.
#TRACN4route 10/07 at 11:30. Update : Recovery still in progress btw Waterval Boven Tunnel + Waterval Onder (N4/6X Km 11.6E) #Elandsvalley ROAD REMAINS CLOSED. ALTERNATIVE ROUTE SCHOEMANSKLOOF.
— TRAC N4 Toll Route (@TRACN4route) July 10, 2023
According to Mohlala, two vehicles, a Toyota Hilux bakkie and a sedan, stopped the trucks just before the Waterval Boven Tunnel. The drivers were then instructed to leave their vehicles, following which the unknown group set the trucks on fire. The motive behind these attacks remains unknown.
This is not the first incident of its kind in the area. A similar modus operandi was used earlier on Sunday morning, where an armed gang stopped and torched six haulage trucks on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass. In both incidents, the cargo on the trucks was completely destroyed.
Mohlala has urged motorists traveling from Pretoria towards Nelspruit to utilize the Schomanskloof turnoff and exercise caution while passing through the area. The police are diligently investigating these attacks but no arrests have been made thus far.
FleetWatch, a leading organization in the transport industry, has issued a warning to all transport operators using the N4 in the Waterval Boven area to avoid the location until the situation is under control.
The targeting of trucks and the subsequent destruction of cargo is deeply concerning, and it is imperative that the authorities swiftly apprehend the culprits behind these acts of violence. Such incidents not only cause financial losses to trucking companies but also pose a threat to the safety of the drivers.
As developments unfold in this investigation, it is essential for everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. Commuters and businesses relying on the N4 highway must take necessary precautions and consider alternative routes until the situation is resolved.
Multiple Trucks Burnt on N4 Highway in Mpumalanga . Photo Supplied
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