Van Reenen’s Pass along the N3 Toll Route has been reopened to traffic following a disruptive incident where a group of armed assailants set fire to six trucks overnight.
Van Reenen’s Pass reopens: Here’s what you must know
According to the police, the armed individuals forced the drivers out of their vehicles near Van Reenen’s Pass before setting the trucks ablaze and fleeing the scene.
Thania Dhoogra, the spokesperson for N3 Toll Concession, announced that the southbound lanes on Van Reenen’s Pass have now been reopened, allowing for traffic in both directions through the use of contraflow measures.
However, the northbound carriageway towards Johannesburg will remain closed until repairs are completed and the road is deemed safe for passage, Dhoogra stated.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution and anticipate congestion and delays in the area.
Kwanele Ncalane, the spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal traffic, emphasised that mop-up operations continued into the morning.
Ncalane condemned the incident as a barbaric act and urged motorists to adjust their travel plans as necessary due to the significant traffic backlog caused by the incident.
Probe underway to identify suspects behind ‘planned’ attack
The Road Freight Association strongly condemned the attack on truck drivers and called for decisive action against those responsible. Gavin Kelly, CEO of the association, described the incident as a well-coordinated assault on the road freight sector.
He expressed concern over the specific location and timing of the attack, which aimed to create mayhem and disruption. Kelly highlighted the vital role of the road freight sector in transporting 80% of goods within South Africa and for international trade that utilizes South African ports.
While no looting or harm to drivers or staff was reported, Kelly raised alarm over the precision and planning behind the attack. Investigations are underway to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators behind this targeted act of malicious damage to property.
As KwaZulu-Natal police intensify their efforts to apprehend the armed suspects, the closure of the road remains in effect. A significant police presence, including the Public Order Policing Unit, has been deployed to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack.
The incident occurred just hours before the second anniversary of the July 2021 unrest, a period marked by widespread looting and riots that claimed the lives of over 350 individuals.
