Six trucks torched in two days as armed gangs target Mpumalanga highways

Mpumalanga police have launched an intensified manhunt after six trucks were torched in armed attacks on the N2 and N3 highways within two days, with suspects still at large.

Six trucks have been torched in Mpumalanga in just two days, as armed suspects target vehicles along the N2 and N3 highways in the Gert Sibande District, prompting police to intensify their manhunt and deploy additional resources to the affected areas.

The latest attack occurred on Friday, October 30, 2026, at approximately 10.30pm along the N2, about 15 kilometres from Piet Retief towards Pongola, where armed suspects intercepted a truck, robbed its driver and set the vehicle alight.

The incident followed Thursday evening's attack on the N3 near Grootvlei, where five trucks were torched by armed suspects.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed on Saturday that investigations into both incidents were underway, with no arrests made.

"Preliminary information indicates that a group of armed suspects allegedly stopped the truck on a section of the road currently under construction, robbed the driver of his mobile phone and subsequently set the truck alight before fleeing the scene," Mdhluli said.

Police have opened cases of attempted murder, armed robbery and malicious damage to property following the latest attack.

The latest incident brings the number of trucks set alight in the Gert Sibande District to six over two consecutive days.

Mdhluli said police had deployed additional resources to the affected areas amid concerns over the attacks.

"The latest incident brings the total number of trucks torched in the Gert Sibande District over the two-day period to six," he said.

Police acknowledged the anxiety the incidents may have caused among motorists and communities, saying a dedicated task team was actively tracking down those responsible.

"The SAPS is committed to keeping the community safe," Mdhluli said.

The task team comprises experienced detectives and Crime Intelligence operatives working to identify the perpetrators and establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks.

The latest attack follows a violent incident on Thursday, October 29, when five trucks were torched along the N3 near Grootvlei.

According to police, a truck driver travelling towards Villiers encountered a stationary tanker on a section of the highway undergoing construction.

As he approached, four armed suspects allegedly emerged from beside the tanker and ordered him to stop.

"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," Mdhluli said.

The suspects allegedly pointed firearms at the driver, while one of them carried a five-litre container of petrol that was used to set the truck alight.

The driver managed to escape and sought assistance from people nearby.

While in 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 towards Villiers.

Police subsequently established that five trucks had been set alight during the attack, with three partially burnt.

The estimated value of one truck horse was approximately R3.2 million, while two trailers were valued at a combined R350,000.

However, police revealed that two truck drivers could not immediately be located following the attack.

"Police have also noted that two truck drivers could not immediately be located at the scene and efforts are underway to establish their whereabouts as part of the ongoing investigation," Mdhluli said.

Saturday's police update did not provide further information on whether the drivers had since been located.

Following the initial attack on the N3, police registered a case of armed robbery and five counts of malicious damage to property.

The subsequent attack on the N2 resulted in additional investigations into attempted murder, armed robbery and malicious damage to property.

The motive behind the incidents remains unknown, and police have not confirmed whether the attacks are linked or whether the same suspects were involved.

A multidisciplinary task team has been established under the leadership of Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise to investigate the incidents.

Modise condemned the attacks and vowed that police would pursue 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," Modise said.

Police said they were aware of the concerns raised by the attacks and had increased resources in the affected areas.

Mdhluli confirmed that the dedicated task team was pursuing available leads, while investigations into all six truck torchings continued.

Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigators to come forward.

Police have assured informants that all information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.