Six trucks set alight in Mpumalanga as search for two drivers continues
No arrests have been made yet.
The South African Police Service (Saps) in Mpumalanga has reported the arson of six trucks over a two-day period in the Gert Sibande District. On Thursday evening, five trucks were set ablaze near Grootvlei on the N3 Road. A truck driver traveling toward Villiers encountered a tanker blocking the road. As the driver approached, four armed suspects emerged from the tanker, ordering the driver to halt.
One suspect allegedly possessed a five-litre petrol container, which was used to ignite the truck. The driver managed to escape and alerted nearby individuals before the truck was consumed by flames. The suspects fled on foot after jumping a fence and running towards Villiers. Three trucks were partially burned. The combined value of one truck and two trailers is estimated at R3.2 million and R350,000, respectively.
No injuries were reported, but two truck drivers remain missing, prompting an investigation. A case of armed robbery and five counts of malicious damage to property has been registered. The motive behind the incidents remains unknown, and no arrests have been made. On Friday, a sixth truck was set on fire on the N2 Road, approximately 15 km from Piet Retief heading towards Pongola.
Armed suspects allegedly stopped the truck on a construction site, robbed the driver of his phone, and subsequently set the truck alight before fleeing the scene. The driver escaped unharmed. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may aid the investigation and can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous information through the MySAPSApp.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
