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.

The driver managed to escape unharmed.

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.

Source: https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2026-10-31-six-trucks-torched-in-two-days-as-armed-gangs-target-mpumalanga-highways/