FOUR TRUCKS SET ALIGHT AT SHEEPMOOR
Four (4) trucks were burned this morning at around 05:30 on the N2 between Piet Retief and Ermelo. Three (3) were seriously burned whilst one (1) only burned in the cabin. One passenger (lady) sustained burned wounds on her feet as she was allegedly asleep in one of the trucks. She was taken for medical help by the EMS vehicle.
It is alleged that people emerged from the grasses and approached the trucks with firearms and instructed the drivers to get out or otherwise they will burn them inside. They (drivers) then left and ran away.
The trucks were then set alight.
No one has been arrested so far and the police are continuing with the investigation.
The motive for the attacks is unknown at the moment.
Also read: 2 Arrested for possession of drugs
MEC Vusi Shongwe condemns the torching of trucks
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Vusi Shongwe has condemned the two incidences of torching of trucks in the strongest possible terms.
The first incident took place on the N4 Toll Road near Machadodorp where five trucks were torched just before midnight on Sunday (09 July 2023). The second incident involved four trucks that were set alight on the N2 road between Piet Retief and Ermelo.
The MEC says the Security Cluster and all role players have since been called to work around the clock to bring the perpetrators to book.
He is also calling on members of the public and the trucking industry to provide any valuable information that may assist the police to bring the perpetrators to book.
“Although we don’t know whether the two cases are related or not, they are causing the country great damage and this, in our view, constitutes economic sabotage. The trucking industry plays an important role in the development of our economy and the sustenance of livelihoods.
We believe with a more coordinated effort in approaching this situation perpetrators will be brought to book. It is worrisome that trucks seem to be constantly targeted by some community members especially when they protest.
They have often blockaded the roads using trucks and this has placed many truck drivers’ lives in danger,” says MEC Vusi Shongwe.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
