Fears that the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal might result in looting from trucks moving goods around the devastated province’s badly affected road infrastructure have unfortunately turned out to be warranted.
Yesterday afternoon, in just one of several reported incidents, a stationary Shoprite truck on the M19 Umgeni Road fell victim to scores of people swarming onto the road from a nearby settlement.
Footage seen by Freight News shows people running towards the truck before shots are fired, and screaming assailants run for cover.
Some bent down behind highway barricades as security vehicles stormed onto the scene, followed by yet more shooting and screaming.
The attack on the truck, plain for all to see on social media, comes as yet another warning to hauliers in KZN that they’re not safe.
Last week, as incessant rain was still causing flooding in certain areas of the province, and authorities and industry started taking stock of the damage to logistical infrastructure, Road Freight Association (RFA) CEO Gavin Kelly warned transporters to proceed with caution.
Amid scenes of roads and bridges washed away, the Port of Durban closed to the movement of cargo, and homes sliding into cascading ravines, the RFA warned transporters against the risk of looting.
They appealed to road freight operators to look out for one another and park in safe areas whenever possible until clear confirmation had been received of the security situation of certain roads.
Transport companies operating in KZN, especially in eThekwini, are advised to act with utmost concern for the safety of their employees and security of property.
