Minister Madikizela condemns attacks on trucks

The Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works Bonginkosi Madikizela strongly condemns the attacks on truck drivers across the province.

Recently, a truck was petrol bombed in Touws River, a truck driver died when a truck was stoned in De Doorns and several other trucks have been attacked on the N2 highway last week in Cape Town.

Beaufort West remains the hot spot area where trucks are attacked in the Western Cape. Criminality has been identified as the main cause of attack on the drivers

In the 2018/19 financial year, 1.4 million heavy vehicle entered the Western Cape. Between May and June 2019, 217 trucks entered the province via the N1 highway.

Minister Madikizela recently met with the South African Long-Distance Truckers (SALT) and discussed truck drivers’ safety on the provincial roads. The Association represents over 210 000 members.

Minister Madikizela said: “I took over this portfolio at a time when trucks were burnt and trains torched. I immediately engaged stakeholders to find amicable solutions. I recently met with SALT and our provincial traffic officers are interacting with the association to find ways of dealing with the problem.”

“I strongly condemn this act of violence. Our law enforcement agencies must ensure strong action is taken against these perpetrators. Those responsible for these actions must be brought to book and prosecuted,” said Minister Madikizela.