At least three Zambian truck drivers have been petrol-bombed and their trucks burnt to ashes by violent protesters in Groblersbug, South Africa.
The incident happened on the N3 Toll Route near Mooi River in KwaZulu –Natal.
One of the drivers, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, sustained life-threatening injuries and has been admitted to the nearby hospital, while his colleague, who has been identified as Vincent Yavwa, 54, sustained minor burns and has since been discharged from hospital.
Mr. Yavwa, holder of passport number ZN246720 and an employee of Southgate Investment Limited, was attacked along the R-572 road at around 18 hours Central African time by violent protesters, en route to Groblersbrug.
This is according to information made available to the Zambian Mission in Pretoria.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Emmanuel Mwamba, has called on the South African government through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to put in place urgent measures that would guarantee the safety of Zambian truckers involved in the transportation of goods between the two countries.
He observed that the unfortunate development had potential to disrupt international trade and halt the movement of goods and services between the two countries.
Mr. Mwamba has since called for calm among truck drivers and the Truckers Association of Zambia as the Mission has engaged the South African government to help put in place measures that will safeguard the safety of the truckers and their goods.
The burning of the drivers brings the number of Zambian trucks burnt in various parts of that country to six.
Following are selected pictures of the incident:
