Tow truck war in Louis Trichardt sees vehicle petrol-bombed

LIMPOPO – Tow truck driver Hendrick Mukwevho of Madombidzha Zone 2, is counting his losses after his vehicle was petrol-bombed at his home on March 14.

Mukwevho said at around 23:10 he heard noises, and upon inspecting what was happening, he saw his vehicle in flames and two people jump the fence at his home. “The whole yard was full of people in just a few minutes. I am still shocked by the incident and my heart bleeds when I think about it. I thank God for saving my life because I would have burnt to death”.

According to Mukwevho, he was assisted by neighbours who extinguished the fire before it could spread to the entire vehicle.

He said that in November, as he was operating in the Louis Trichardt area, he was approached by a group of tow truck owners who warned him to move out of the area or face the consequences.

“I continued doing business there, and on the morning of December 26, I found a plastic container with 24 pistol bullets and a note which warned that my house would be set alight with my family inside.”

He said he opened a case with the police but that it had been withdrawn because of a lack of evidence.

“This was a hit, and it is anybody’s guess who is behind this. It is just luck that I was not even in my vehicle that night.”

He said the people behind the incident were jealous and that they will not succeed in destroying him.

“I have given a full statement to the police, and I think they will get to the bottom of this and arrest the mastermind. If there is something wrong, it is better for these people to come and talk to me rather than destroy the property that belongs to me and the community. This is cowardice at its worst. Brave people come forward to voice their concerns.”

Police spokesperson Sgt Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that they opened a case of arson but that no one has been arrested yet.

Investigations are ongoing.