Five trucks worth R3.2 million torched in armed attack near Grootvlei in Mpumalanga

Five trucks burnt in attack on N3 construction section near Grootvlei.

Five trucks were torched during an alleged armed attack on the N3 near Grootvlei in Mpumalanga, with the value of one truck estimated at R3.2 million.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening, October 29, 2026, on a section of the N3 that is currently undergoing construction in the Gert Sibande District.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), preliminary information indicates 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, while one of them 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 nearby. From a place of safety, he watched as his truck was engulfed in flames.

The suspects allegedly fled on foot, jumping over a fence before running in the direction of Villiers.

Police subsequently established that five trucks had been set alight during the incident. Three of the trucks were reportedly partially burnt.

The estimated value of one truck tractor unit is approximately R3.2 million, while two trailers are valued at a combined R350,000.

However, police said two truck drivers could not immediately be located at the scene, and efforts were underway to establish their whereabouts.

A case of armed robbery and five counts of malicious damage to property have been registered for investigation.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and no arrests have been made.

Mpumalanga police have since established a multidisciplinary task team comprising experienced detectives and Crime Intelligence operatives to investigate the incident and pursue all available leads.

The team is operating under the leadership of Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise.

Modise assured the public that police were using all available resources to track down those responsible.

"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," he said.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip through the MySAPS App.

All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.