Two truck drivers became victims of theft last night after heartless thieves pounced on their parked rigs along the R31 between Danielskuil and Kuruman.
According to reports, the drivers had stopped to rest when criminals struck in the dead of night. When the drivers woke up in the morning, one found four tyres missing from his trailer while the other discovered that his diesel tanks had been drained completely.
The thieves operated quietly, and the drivers only realised what had happened when it was too late. This stretch of road, like many others across South Africa, has become notorious for opportunistic theft targeting parked trucks.
Truckers are strongly advised not to park along the roadside, not even for a quick nap. There is no such thing as safe roadside parking in South Africa anymore. You might be lucky a few times, but that luck will not last forever.
Proper trip planning is key. Make sure you reach a truck stop, filling station, or a secure yard before shutting down for the night. It might mean pushing a little harder during the day, but it is better than waking up to missing tyres or empty tanks.
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Tyre and diesel theft is not just an inconvenience. It is a massive cost for transport companies, and in many cases, drivers end up carrying the blame. Even when some companies do not pay for overnight parking, they will still point fingers when something happens on the roadside.
So, drivers, let us stay sharp out there. Plan your routes, use safe stops, and do not give criminals the upper hand. The road is already tough enough without waking up to a stripped truck.
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