Several high-ranking government officials have condemned the torching of trucks on SA roads in recent weeks.
Five trucks were burnt in Mpumalanga during the weekend by a suspected organised syndicate.
Other incidents where trucks have been set alight are in KwaZulu-Natal.
Earlier incidents had also been reported in Gauteng.
Transport Minister Lydia Chikunga said road freight transports more than 80% of cargo on national roads.
“This criminality will not be tolerated. These criminals are committing an act of economic sabotage, which must attract the harshest penalties permissible in law.
"Our road network is the lifeblood of our economy and transports valuable cargo that keeps the wheels of our economy turning,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure, Kenneth Mmoiemang, said the allegations that trucks were being shot at are of particular concern.
“We are calling on whoever is behind this act of mayhem to stop it and we are appealing to the police to act with speed in curbing it and apprehending the perpetrators."
According to Mmoiemang the committee supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to establish a team of dedicated men and women that will investigate the "economic sabotage."
