The first incident took place on the N4 Toll Road near Machardodorp where five trucks were torched just before midnight on Sunday, 09 July. The second incident involved four trucks that were set alight on the N2 road between Piet Retief and Ermelo.

He says the police should continue working hard to ensure that all those who are responsible are brought to book.

“We really appreciate the sterling work done by the Provincial Commissioner and the team so far. We must acknowledge the teamwork displayed by all role players so far. Seemingly, more arrests are imminent and we therefore want the security cluster to pull all that the stops to ensure those who are embarrassing our province and the country are harshly dealt with. In fact, they must be made example of.”

“Mpumalanga is bordering Mozambique and Eswatini. Therefore, transportation of a spectrum of goods across these and other provinces through trucks remains a major element of our economy. Many more people are employed in this industry, that is why no acts of economic sabotage or elements should be allowed to thrive,” Shongwe says.

The MEC encouraged truck drivers and the members of the public to report any suspicious activities or people to the police.

The five suspects were all apprehended in the province, and they are expected to appear in Ermelo Magistrate Court on Monday, 17 July.