Five trucks were torched on the N4 Road in Mpumalanga
Five trucks were torched on the N4 Road near Machardodorp in Mpumalanga. Just before midnight on Sunday 9 July these five trucks, of which four were going uphill from Mbombela direction towards Machardodorp direction meanwhile the other truck was travelling on the opposite direction, towards Mbombela.
The trucks were reportedly burnt at Waterval Boven which caused massive destruction and loss for different trucking companies. According to information, it is alleged that two vehicles, a light delivery vehicle and a sedan with five occupants stopped the trucks, instructed the drivers to take their personal belongings before setting the trucks on fire.
The exact loss suffered is yet to be determined. The motive behind the mayhem is also unclear at this stage. Police have since launched an investigation into this incident of malicious damage to properties.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has strongly condemned the outrageous behaviour of lawlessness displayed in this incident.
“We are a country with laws and we cannot allow our country to be subjected to this kind of criminal behaviour. An example should be made out of the people behind this act. Besides the great financial loss caused in terms of the damages, other road users were inconvenienced as the road was closed down for hours as police and other role-players were busy with investigation and assessment. The perpetrators thereof should be hunted down and be brought to book.” said the General.
Police call on anyone with information regarding perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPS APP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.