Crime along the N3 freeway between Durban and Johannesburg continues to plague truck drivers, with incidents ranging from hijackings and robberies to diesel siphoning, battery and tyre theft.
This vital freight route, which moves billions of rands worth of goods every day, has become a hunting ground for criminals who see truckers as easy prey.
From fake police officers to thugs posing as hitchhikers, truck drivers face threats day and night – whether they’re resting, refuelling, or just crawling in traffic.
Hijackings are no longer random, they’re calculated. Diesel theft is no longer rare, it’s routine.
Tyres? If you sleep on the roadside, you might just wake up sitting on bricks.
Below is a comprehensive overview of known crime hotspots along the N3, compiled from driver reports, social media videos, and verified incidents.
Truckers, read this, share it, and stay sharp out there.
N3 Crime Hotspots: Durban to Johannesburg
1. Richmond Road to Mariannhill Toll Plaza (Pinetown) Criminals here pose as harmless hitchhikers – sometimes women, sometimes school-aged youth. Once you stop, they strike. Smash-and-grabs are common. They’ll yank your door open, grab valuables, and disappear into the nearby bush before you can even unbuckle.
2. Dr Chota Motala Interchange (Pietermaritzburg) Stone-throwing thugs have made this overpass a danger zone. They want you to stop so they can rob you blind. On top of that, violent protests erupt here often, with trucks being looted and torched.
Avoid this area during unrest – check your route before entering PMB!
3. Mooi River Toll Plaza Easily one of the most dangerous stops on the N3. Hijackings, robberies, looting, arson – you name it. The 2018 protest that saw 18 trucks torched here is a grim reminder. Hitchhikers here are often scouts for criminals.
Motorists stopping to relieve themselves or just stretching their body often fall victim to robberies at this place.
Don’t trust the lights, this place is crawling with quiet thieves!
5. Tugela Toll Plaza It may look peaceful, but looks deceive. Robbers wait for drivers who park on the roadside, especially near the plaza. Reports of battery and tyre theft and full-blown hijackings are on the rise.
Never park there even if you see other trucks parked there before you!
6. Harrismith Some truckers have been robbed by individuals pretending to be sex workers or hikers. It’s embarrassing, so many don’t report it – but it’s happening.
Keep your windows shut and resist any ‘offers’ at this hotspot!
7. Monte Vista If you can’t get a spot at the Caltex garage, don’t risk sleeping on the road. That’s when hijackers strike – especially in the early hours. Multiple cases reported by drivers who thought sleeping in a row of trucks would be safer. It’s not!
8. Heidelberg Fake cops in blue-light vehicles have been pulling over trucks here. Once stopped, drivers are hijacked, assaulted, and sometimes held hostage.
If you’re being pulled over, stay alert and only stop at a safe place – real SAPS officers will show ID!
9. Vosloorus (Gauteng) Hijackings here are a daily concern, with fake cops and hiker gangs running rampant. Add to that the constant threat of violent protests where trucks are torched or used as barricades.
10. The Entire N3 – The Highway of No Mercy Outside these hotspots, the rest of the N3 isn’t safe either. If you sleep on the roadside or break down far from help, you’re gambling with your life. Hijackers, diesel thieves, battery and tyre bandits operate along the whole route.
Truckers have lost everything – personal belongings, trailers, cargo, even their lives – because they had a break down or parked in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Criminal gangs strike fast, often cleaning out entire rows of parked trucks. Even your fellow drivers can’t help once the attack starts.
Sleeping on the N3? That’s not rest, that’s betting your life.
SA Trucker
Your safest bet? Only park at truck stops with visible security, CCTV, and fencing.
Avoid lone stops, dodgy lay-bys, and “just 5 minutes” roadside naps. Even at truck stops, lock up and stay alert.
Truckers, stay safe out there. Share this article with your colleagues and remind each other:“Crime never sleeps on the N3—and neither should you.”
🛡️ Safety Tips for Truck Drivers
Avoid Picking Up Hitchhikers:Regardless of appearance, refrain from offering lifts to strangers.
Stay Informed:Keep abreast of current news and alerts regarding protests or unrest along your route.
Use Trusted Rest Stops:Only stop at well-lit, secure areas with a known security presence.
Verify Law Enforcement:If pulled over, request official identification and, if in doubt, don’t stop until you find a safe spot, notify your fleet manager and contact the local authorities to confirm legitimacy.
Report Incidents:Share your experiences to help fellow drivers stay informed and vigilant.
If you are aware of other crime hotspots or have experienced incidents along the N3, please share your story with us to help others stay safe.
