"At this stage the motive for the attack is unknown. Van Reenen detectives are investigating a case of malicious damage to property. A large police deployment including the Public Order Policing Unit is monitoring the situation."
Motorists were urged to delay their trips if possible.
Northbound traffic, heading to Johannesburg, was stopped at Tugela Plaza, while southbound traffic, heading to Durban, was stacked at the top of Van Reenen's Pass.
FleetWatch magazine said the attack was a deliberate "hit".
"After talking to various people on the scene, this was a well-planned attack on trucks. They planned the ambush, got the trucks to stop by spreading some debris and rocks across the road, shooting at them and then burning them.
"One truck has numerous bullet holes in the cab from the attackers shooting at it."
Six trucks set alight on N3 corridor between Gauteng and KZN
Image: Sebabatso Mosamo
An arson attack on Saturday night led to six trucks being set alight on Van Reenen's Pass, which caused the closure of the N3 toll route.
The attackers fled the scene.
The drivers managed to escape unhurt.
"All authorities and emergency services are on scene. They have secured the area, and the fires have been doused. The clean-up and recovery operations are under way," the operator said.
Police said the attack took place at 10pm.
"A gang of armed men forced six truck drivers to stop their trucks on the Van Reenens Pass. They then set all six trucks alight, causing the roadway to be closed to traffic. No injuries were reported," KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Jay Naicker said.
"At this stage the motive for the attack is unknown. Van Reenen detectives are investigating a case of malicious damage to property. A large police deployment including the Public Order Policing Unit is monitoring the situation."
Motorists were urged to delay their trips if possible.
Northbound traffic, heading to Johannesburg, was stopped at Tugela Plaza, while southbound traffic, heading to Durban, was stacked at the top of Van Reenen's Pass.
FleetWatch magazine said the attack was a deliberate "hit".
"After talking to various people on the scene, this was a well-planned attack on trucks. They planned the ambush, got the trucks to stop by spreading some debris and rocks across the road, shooting at them and then burning them.
"One truck has numerous bullet holes in the cab from the attackers shooting at it."
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE:
Two arrested shortly after robbing truck of liquor worth about R450,000
Metal object flies off truck and strikes taxi passenger on Durban highway
N3 toll route closed as community demands release of murder suspect for possible mob justice
Police on high alert over 'national shutdown' by disgruntled truck drivers
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos