On the night of Wednesday (April 29) the N3 highway—one of South Africa’s critical freight and commuter routes linking Johannesburg to Durban—faced severe disruption due to protest-related violence between Heidelberg and Vosloorus in Gauteng.
Reports indicate that masked individuals blocked the road, opened fire, and set multiple trucks alight, forcing authorities to close sections of the freeway and urging motorists to avoid the area entirely.
According to traffic alerts and eyewitness accounts shared widely on social media and community platforms, the incidents began around 22:00–22:10 near the Overkruin–Spaarwater area, specifically between the R23 (Benoni road) and R550 interchanges, close to the Kliplaagte bridge and PetroPort filling station.
Drivers described suspects stopping vehicles, removing keys, and using the trucks to block lanes before setting them on fire, accompanied by gunshots.
Thick smoke reduced visibility, and emergency services, including firefighters, responded amid reports of stones being thrown.
Gauteng police confirmed that during the night, three trucks were set alight, with cases opened for attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The truck drivers reportedly escaped unharmed, though their vehicles and cargo were destroyed.
This is a developing story and updates will be shared as more information is made available.
