Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed grave concern on the torching of trucks on Mzansi roads in the past few days in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, with the latest incident reported on the N2 Empangeni where two trucks were torched today.

So far 16 trucks have been burnt in various provinces since Sunday.

The Minister said this behaviour will not be tolerated and those responsible will be brought to book. "This is criminality that will not be tolerated. These criminals are committing an act of economic sabotage, which must attract the harshest penalties permissible in law. Our road network is the lifeblood of our economy and transports valuable cargo that keeps the wheels of our economy turning", said Chikunga. She added that the ability of trucks to transport freight is an enabler of economic activity and trade with other markets, which is critical for the economy. "The road freight transports in excess of 80% of all our cargo." Chikunga further elaborated. The road traffic law enforcement authorities, working under the co-ordination of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) continue to work closely with other law enforcement authorities to maintain maximum vigilance and to bring perpetrators to book.

Chikunga said the government has also provided a platform of engagement for any party aggrieved by working conditions in the road freight industry and progress is being made in addressing the issues on the table. "Behaviour by any party that is outside of that agreed framework will neither be condoned nor tolerated. We call upon law enforcement authorities to unleash the full might of the law in dealing with those who think they can sabotage our economy with impunity. We equally appeal to other road users and communities to work closely with law enforcement authorities and report suspicious conduct on our roads. We will not allow our roads to be used as an arena to commit crime", concluded the Minister.