MEC Vusi Shongwe condemns the torching of trucks in Mpumalanga
According to MEC Vusi Shongwe, the trucking industry plays a major role in the economy. When trucks are set alight, it influences communities’ livelihoods.
The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, has condemned the two recent incidents in which trucks have been torched in the province.
The first incident took place on the N4 Toll Road near Machadodorp, where five trucks were torched just before midnight on Sunday July 9. The second incident involved four trucks that were set alight on the N2 between Piet Retief and Ermelo today, July 12.
Shongwe said the security cluster and all role players have since been called to work around the clock to bring the suspects to justice.
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He said the trucking industry plays an important role in the development of our economy and sustenance of livelihoods. “I am 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 do not know whether the two cases are related or not, they are causing the country great damage and this, in our view, constitutes economic sabotage.
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“We believe with a more co-ordinated 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,” said Shongwe.
