Mbombela (Nelspruit) – A multidisciplinary South African Police Service (SAPS) task team comprising seasoned detectives and crime Intelligence operatives has been established to probe the torching of five haulage trucks.
Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise is leading the task team probing the arson attack that occurred on Thursday, 29 October 2026, along the N3, near Grootvlei, Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga.
The arson attack was carried out where there were roadworks that forced the trucks to slow down.
It is alleged that a truck driver travelling towards Villiers encountered a tanker standing in the roadway.
As he approached, four armed suspects allegedly emerged from the side of the tanker and ordered him to stop.
The suspects reportedly pointed firearms at the driver, and one of the suspects allegedly carried a five-litre container of petrol, which was used to set the truck alight.
The driver managed to escape and sought assistance from people who were nearby.
From a safe distance, the driver said he observed his truck engulfed in flames.
The suspects allegedly fled the scene on foot after jumping over a fence and running toward Villiers.
Police have established that five trucks were set alight during the incident.
Preliminary reports further indicate that three trucks were partially burnt.
The estimated value of one truck horse is approximately R3.2 million, while the combined value of two trailers is estimated at R350 000.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
However, police said two truck drivers have not yet been located at the scene, and efforts were underway to establish their whereabouts as part of the ongoing investigation.
“We cannot tolerate acts of lawlessness, and we will continue to investigate the matter while using all available resources to identify and arrest those responsible,” said Lieutenant General Modise.
