At least six rigs were burnt and several cabs destroyed in violent arson attacks on the N3 in the vicinity of Vosloorus between Heidelberg and Johannesburg last night.
Both Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), and Mike Fitizmaurice, chief executive of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta), said details were still coming in but the truck torching seems to be because of service delivery protests.
According to Fitzmaurice it happened between eight and nine last night when two Fesarta members notified him that they were under attack.
“They were carrying copper concentrate and had security guards on the back.
“I know of two loads that were salvaged and the trailers did not catch alight.
“But the cabs were burnt to ashes.”
Fitzmaurice added that at least two other cabs had also been burnt out, bringing to four the number of cabs destroyed in last night’s attacks, from what Freight News could determine this morning.
Altogether at least six trucks were reportedly either destroyed or damaged in the attacks.
No loss of life resulted from the return of truck burning on the N3.
This morning Kelly said although he was still waiting for authorities to provide detail about the situation on the ground, no one had said that it was still blockaded.
Fitzmaurice added: “I have asked for an update but the situation seems to be calm and normal.”
Transporters and members of the public are advised to proceed with caution on this stretch of the highway.
It is recommended that they contact the N3 Toll Concession company at 080 063 4357 to find out whether the highway is safe and secure before using it.
Freight News will update this developing story as more information comes in.
