"This is not only a crime against truck drivers but also against the economy, at a time when faster and rapid growth is required. It is critical that law enforcement work hard to find the culprits and act accordingly to stop this thuggish behaviour," said Rayi.

"The impact on the economy, especially on small and medium enterprise, is extensive. These criminal acts negatively influence employment in the country and need to be eliminated. South Africa prides itself on the rule of law."

Rayi said the number of attacks directed at truck drivers, many of whom were foreign, had increased. He said attacks motivated by xenophobia will not be tolerated and if xenophobia was a motivating factor, then the perpetrators should be exposed.

Two trucks were set alight on the N3 northbound in the Mooi River area late on Monday night, with clean-up operations still underway by early Tuesday morning, according to emergency personnel at the scene.

It is suspected that the attacks were part of a national strike called in the logistics and transport industry, via social media, by unknown entities. Messages of the intended strike were circulating two weeks prior to Sunday, the start of the strike, which was set to end on Monday.

Over the weekend, one truck was set alight in Pietermaritzburg’s Ashburton area and one in Kokstad. On Sunday, the road to the Richards Bay Harbour was blocked by 11 trucks, with all of the drivers subsequently being arrested.

"The focus should now be on growing the economy through promoting regional and continental trade. Small and medium enterprises should be at the centre of such efforts, through trading between regions, provinces and neighbouring countries. The burning of trucks is unacceptable," said Rayi.

African News Agency (ANA)