Are SA Roads No Longer Safe for Long Distance Truckers?

In a concerning development, another truck has been set alight in Gauteng on the R59 Route, adding to the recent wave of attacks on trucks across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, where at least 15 trucks have fallen victim to arson.

Later today, Police Minister Bheki Cele and the South African Police Service (SAPS) management will address the nation, providing updates on the police’s response to these acts of violence targeting freight trucks, according to SABC News.

Meanwhile, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) has announced its intention to write to Police Minister Bheki Cele, urging for the provision of police escorts for truck drivers. SATAWU spokesperson Amanda Tshemese condemned the attacks as a form of economic sabotage.

“It is unacceptable that after so many years, the motive behind this criminality remains unknown to the government and employers. The attacks on truck drivers are nothing new. Our primary concern is the safety of our members and workers. We have witnessed cases where truck drivers have been subjected to torture, assault, and robbery by the perpetrators. We are also calling on employers to prioritise South Africans in the road freight industry.”

Also read: Food Delivery Trucks Intended for Needy Individuals Go Missing

KwaZulu-Natal Police Spokesperson Jay Naicker expressed optimism, stating that the authorities expect significant progress in the investigations into the recent truck attacks.

“We have deployed permanent patrols on a day and night basis along these routes, allocating substantial resources to this effort. The investigations have been centralised within the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. We have already begun profiling certain individuals, conducting interviews with affected truck drivers and victims, and analysing video footage from various sources to identify the culprits. We are confident that a breakthrough will be achieved soon.”

The transport and logistics industry gathered at the CSIR in Pretoria for the 41st Southern African Transport Conference has called for enhanced protection measures following the alarming surge in truck arson incidents. Dr Paul Nordengen, Director of Heavy Vehicle Transport Technology Africa, stressed the urgent need for concrete interventions to safeguard trucks, drivers, and the country’s economy.

“The recent events are tragic. From an economic standpoint, the closure of major corridors has a profound impact on freight movement. Many transport operators operate on thin profit margins, and delays of this nature have a significant financial impact, particularly on smaller companies.”

Also read:

Police Launch Investigation into Arson Attack on Five Trucks on N4 Highway

Picture: Facebook / Turnpike Carriers Pty Ltd

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