Armed gangs this weekend created havoc on the N3 and N4 highways by settings several trucks alight.

The first attack occurred on Saturday night on the N3 highway at Van Reenen’s Pass, when armed attackers forced six trucks to a halt, setting them alight.

Five trucks were then set alight on Sunday night on the N4 at Emgwenya, in Mpumalanga.

Armed attackers again forced the drivers out of the vehicles before setting them alight.

Both the N3 and N4 are busy freight corridors operated by toll concessionaires.

The South African Police Service says that these types of incidents have, in the past, been associated with attacks on foreign truck drivers. Now, however, it appears as if competition among truck operators may also be a factor.

The Road Freight Association (RFA) says it regards the attacks as a “coordinated attack on the road-freight sector”. 

The road freight sector – trucks – carries 80% of the goods that are moved in and around South Africa.

RFA CEO Gavin Kelly says these “ruthless” attacks on the road-freight supply chain will have far-reaching effects.

While immediate short-term losses will run into millions of rands – including the costs of the vehicles, cargo and personal effects, repairing the road damage and deploying first responders, with additional costs in terms of freight delays and shipping penalties – the long-term impact will be seen in increased security costs, insurance premiums and toll fees, as well as a reduction in freight movement through South Africa and, ultimately, the closure of freight companies, which will lead to substantial job losses in the logistics sector.

“Who is behind this attack, and why?” asks Kelly.

“There was no looting of vehicles, and, thankfully, none of the drivers or staff on the vehicles were injured or killed.

“The targeted precision of the attack is worrying. This was well planned and efficiently implemented. 

“At this point, no group has acknowledged that they are responsible.”