Unidentified attackers set fire to five trucks on a major trade route in South Africa on Monday, marking the second attack of its kind in as many days. The incident took place on the N4 highway, which connects the commercial hub of Gauteng province to the port of Maputo in Mozambique. This route is crucial for the transportation of coal and chrome exports from South Africa.

According to police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the assailants deliberately torched the vehicles. A similar attack occurred on Sunday when trucks were set ablaze on the N3 highway, which links Gauteng to the port of Durban, the largest container harbor in Africa.

Truck drivers in South Africa frequently stage protests by blocking major roads, expressing their dissatisfaction with the employment of foreign drivers. These protests have a significant impact on trade and employment, as approximately 80% of all goods transported within and around the country rely on road freight, as stated by the Road Freight Association.

The ongoing attacks have prompted some companies to redirect their cargo through ports in neighbouring countries instead of using those in South Africa. Abdool Kamdar, the manager of decarbonization and net zero at KDG Logistics, whose truck was burned during a community protest in Chesterville, Durban three weeks ago, expressed concern about the situation. He emphasized that if secure supply chains and roads cannot be provided for the movement of goods, it will gradually harm the economy and must not be allowed to continue.

These recent incidents occur two years after South Africa experienced seven days of violence, the worst instance of civil unrest since the country's transition to multiracial democracy in 1994. During that period, the N3 was shut down, and looting took place, resulting in the loss of over 350 lives and an estimated 50 billion rand ($2.7 billion) in economic damage. The organizers of the unrest have yet to face prosecution.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concern about the negative impact of these attacks on the economy, describing them as "almost like economic sabotage." He made these comments following a meeting with top leaders of the African National Congress, the ruling party. The N3 highway remained closed for most of Sunday as authorities conducted cleanup operations, but no arrests have been made so far.

The Road Freight Association expressed worry about the precise targeting and efficiency of the attacks, which indicate careful planning. However, no group has claimed responsibility for these incidents at this time.