Warning as bus, two trucks stoned on N3 at Harrismith

Truckers and buses travelling along the N3 from Johannesburg have been warned about people hurling stones at passing heavy vehicles.

During the early hours of yesterday morning, an Intercape bus and at least two trucks were stoned on the N3 at Harrismith near the Engen convenience stops. The attack happened around 1am.

The public warning comes days after long-distance coach company Intercape warned that rogue taxi associations were targeting coaches in an apparent turf war over patronage of long-distance routes.

Last week, Intercape chief executive officer Johann Ferreira made an impassioned plea to President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in the ongoing attacks on coaches.

Two weeks ago, Intercape buses on their way to Eastern Cape were targeted by gunmen in a sedan on the M2 highway from Johannesburg.

Suspects fired three shots at the driver’s side of the coach, and the final shot narrowly missed the driver.

As the vehicle sped past, the assailants fired another five shots – with the first, second and third shots hitting the windscreen and fourth and fifth rounds hitting the coach low on the front left side.

The first shot narrowly missed the driver and co-driver, who was sitting in the front window seat.

The sedan vehicle then drove off.

The Intercape driver managed to keep control of the large bus, slowed down and pulled over safely to the side of the road.

Intercape responders arrived at the scene and were later joined by Johannesburg Metro Police Department and SA Police Service members, who took statements and evidence.

The passengers were transferred to another coach to continue their journey. A case has been registered at the Jeppe police station.

In a separate incident, an Intercape bus en route from Pretoria to Umtata came under attack at the Geldenhuys Interchange, where the M2 joins the N3.

Video footage from the bus appears to show a gunman stationed on the bridge, who fired two shots at the coach, with one of the rounds hitting a passenger in the leg.

Criminal cases were opened.