Five trucks were torched just before midnight on July 9, closing the N4 between the NZASM Tunnel at Emgwenya and Waterval Onder, however, the road has been cleared this morning, July 11, and is now open.

According to a provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, four trucks had been travelling uphill from Mbombela towards Machadodorp while a fifth one had been driving in Mbombela’s direction when the incident occurred.

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Mohlala said it is alleged that five men travelling in a bakkie and a sedan stopped the trucks, instructed the drivers to exit the vehicles and give up their personal belongings before setting them alight. He said this has caused massive destruction and loss for different trucking companies.”The exact loss suffered is yet to be determined,” said Mohlala.

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He said the motive is also unclear at this stage. “The police have since launched an investigation into this incident of malicious damage to properties.”Anyone with any information regarding the perpetrators is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has strongly condemned this behaviour of lawlessness.

“An example should be made out of the people behind this act. Besides the great financial loss caused in terms of the damages, other road users were inconvenienced as the road was closed for more than a day as the police and other role players were busy with their investigation and assessment.”