Arsonists torch three trucks outside Steelpoort
The police and fire brigade were summoned to the scene and assisted in dousing the fire
Six men allegedly torched three trucks on the Sekhukhune road on Monday at about 04:30. This caused delays, and many miners failed to report for duty. The Sekhukhune SAPS activated a manhunt for the arsonists.
“According to information, the complainant was driving a Scania truck along the R557 between Lydenburg and Sekhukhune, heading to deliver chrome at a local mine when he was accosted by six unknown males on the road,” said the Limpopo SAPS’s spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
“Two suspects were armed with firearms. The truck driver was instructed at gunpoint to block the road with his truck, and to disembark through the window. The suspects burnt the truck afterwards.”
Ledwaba said two trucks, a Scania and Actros, behind this scene, were also set alight by the suspects, who later fled.
The police and fire brigade were summoned to the scene and assisted in dousing the fire. Ledwaba said the motive of the incident is unknown, and there were no injuries reported.
The Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, condemned these incidents and called upon communities to work with the police to ensure that the suspects are apprehended.
Ledwaba confirmed that the Limpopo SAPS opened a case of armed robbery and malicious damaged to property.
This incident happened right after another one, in which five trucks were torched with the same modus operandi on the N4 near Machardodorp on Sunday night.
Anyone with information should contact the investigating officer, Colonel Mahlathini Ngele, on 082 5733 645, or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, visit the nearest police station or use the My SAPS app.
Police investigations are continuing.
