SAPS team assigned to clamp down on torching of trucks

A high-level crack police team has been assigned to investigate the torching of trucks and incidents perceived to be economic sabotage on the N3.

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, has welcomed this.

Police roadblocks will be set up along major transport routes in the province and nationally to prevent further truck attacks.

This follows the torching of several trucks on the country’s main roads – in particular six trucks at Van Reenan’s Pass, two at Empangeni bringing the nationwide count to sixteen from Sunday to Monday.

The decision by the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to assemble this crack team follows serious outrage in the industry as there are reports that suspects were armed, forced the drivers out and started setting the trucks alight. The trucks carry goods worth several millions of rands.

KZN Department of Transport spokesman Kwanele Ncalane said government strongly believed that these incidents were part of economic sabotage and stronger interventions were needed to protect the strategic routes that are transporting essential goods and linking various provinces.

Mr Ncalane said Mr Hlomuka had since directed all structures within the KwaZulu-Natal Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), including municipalities, to ensure an integrated response in dealing with the torching of trucks.

“The decision to assemble a high-level police team is welcomed. Government is of the view that such acts of criminality must be dealt with decisively and with greater speed. These incidents are undermining the progress we are making in achieving economic recovery as a province. Sabotaging the economy will result in job losses and unemployment. Efforts led by the police will continue with the work of monitoring and ensuring visibility on the strategic routes,” said Mr Ncalane.

He appealing to those with information to work with the police to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

Mr Ncalane also asked that other role players within the sector work with the police and government in ensuring an end to such incidents.

“Working with the trucking industry we must join hands in beefing up security and monitoring of the trucks on highways. These must include the deployment of technology and other resources,” said Mr Hlomuka.