A total of 14 trucks have been set alight within two days in three different provinces. Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for six suspects believed to have torched three trucks along R547 Lydenburg, Sekhukhune Road around 4 pm on Monday. This is the third incident of trucks being set alight in different provinces just hours apart.  

Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a group of six gunmen stopped three truck drivers and ordered them to exit their vehicles through windows. "One of the complainants was driving a Scania truck along the R547 Lydenburg road, heading to deliver chrome at a local mine when he was accosted by six unknown males on the road. Two suspects had firearms. He said a firearm was pointed at him and he was instructed to block the road with the truck and to disembark through the window and then the suspects burned the truck afterward," said Ledwaba. Ledwaba said that ultimately, two more trucks, a Scania and Actross that were driving behind were also burnt by the suspects who later fled the scene. 

"Police and Fire Brigade personnel were summoned to the scene and the motive of the incident is unknown. Police opened a case of armed robbery and malicious damage to properties. The Community was called upon to work with the Police to ensure that the suspects are apprehended," said Ledwaba. Anyone with information that can assist police in the apprehension of the suspects should contact the Investigating Officer Colonel Mahlathini Ngele on 0825733645 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Truckers Association of South Africa President Mary Phadi said: "When we look back, five years ago, this is how the grievances were presented to South Africa, from the truck drivers that raised their concerns. So, it could be how they will then again start to raise their grievances," Phadi said violence was not the way to go if truckers want to communicate their grievances. "We're not part of the people that had raised concern about the foreign truck drivers. We don't believe that there should be violence in this country, and we've been very vocal about making sure that the government is assisting us."