Operators are concerned after three trucks were set alight when Kroonstad service delivery protests spilled over into Steynsrus last night.
Drivers fled the scene as community members approached.
Before the blaze, one truck was used to block the road.
The second truck, set to transport chicken to Durban, was looted by local community members.
The third truck was carrying manganese from Kuruman to Durban.
According to Road Freight Association’s acting CEO Gavin Kelly, operators are concerned that there is little to no protection for their drivers or assets.
“It is very evident that there is common criminality behind most of the attacks, which manifests in general looting and then wanton destruction of the trucks,” said Kelly.
In the meantime, local authorities and police structures seem inadequate.
This comes after a week-long influx of service delivery protests across South Africa.
Yesterday police officers were seen firing rubber bullets at residents of Strand in the Western Cape.
More than 60 people were arrested for violent protest action across South Africa yesterday.
