An attack on a grader operator at Morgenzon, in Mpumalanga, is stalling the progress of mending and restoring damaged roads by recent floods.
The Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, said one of its employees was attacked, assaulted, and tied up while carrying out routine road maintenance work on Road D500 at KwaZibhebhu, near Morgenzon.
The suspects literally hijacked the grader.
The stolen machine is a Volvo grader, with a registration number GRC 209 MG.
The department also said the incident was reported to the South African Police Service.
Thulasizwe Thomo, MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, said preliminary information indicates that a criminal syndicate may be involved.
“The suspects are believed to be moving the grader towards the Eswatini border, possibly using gravel roads to evade detection. The last tracker signal placed the machine in the vicinity of Ermelo” said Thomo.
He also called the attack “unacceptable” calling for swift action against those responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact: Reuben Masindi 078 884 9972 or Alternatively, report to the nearest police station.
Picture: Supplied by the Department