SAPS on High Alert After Threats to Burn Trucks on Addo Road

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Nelson Mandela Bay says it will not tolerate threats of violence against truck operators after several companies alleged that they were warned not to use their trucks on the R335 (Addo Road) this Friday, 05 September 2025.

According to reports, trucking operators were intimidated and told their vehicles would be stopped and set alight if they dared to operate on the route. The threats are believed to stem from tensions around the employment of foreign truck drivers.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, responded firmly, warning that SAPS would act decisively to protect law-abiding businesses and motorists.

“We cannot allow law-abiding community and businesses to be intimidated in this way by being threatened with violence in order for such law breakers to have their way,” Ncata said.

He confirmed that SAPS, together with security partners, would be deployed along the affected route to prevent any potential violence and ensure the safety of all motorists and trucks.

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Ncata further urged businesses that have been threatened to come forward and open intimidation cases against the perpetrators.

>“SAPS also wish to warn any perpetrators using intimidation tactics that there are legal avenues, other than the use of violence, to solve issues that affect them, and any law breakers damaging property of others will face the full force of the law,” he added.

Truck operators have welcomed the police intervention, saying they hope visible policing will help prevent another round of costly disruptions.