Attacks on trucks are criminal and an obstruction to our economy

Following attacks on more trucks in our province overnight, we have stepped up the intensity of operations on the N7 and in other affected areas.

I was dismayed to hear that four trucks were torched last night and in the early hours of this morning. The recent attacks are criminal and an obstruction to economic development in our province.

In the first incident, a truck was stoned and set alight on the N2 highway outside Strand at about 9:50 pm on Monday evening. Just after midnight at 12:30 am, a truck loaded with cement was petrol-bombed near Moorreesburg on the N7. It is understood that two vehicles forced the truck off the road before setting it alight. The truck was completely destroyed.

In a separate incident also on the N7, another truck was petrol-bombed at 01h07 near Porterville turn-off.  The driver had pulled over to sleep when the incident happened. The seriously injured driver is being treated at Piketberg Hospital.

The last incident happened near Piekenierskloof Pass on the N7 where a truck loaded with chicken was set alight. The driver was doused with petrol but managed to escape. He was unharmed.

These criminal acts cannot be tolerated. Our Provincial Traffic has arranged for intensified integrated operations to be conducted on the N7 and other hot-spot areas. SAPS and Municipal Traffic officers are part of this operation.

We will also conduct saturation patrols and increase Law Enforcement visibility on the N7 and other affected areas. This integrated approach will be coordinated through the relevant police stations.

I will again engage the trucking industry and other stakeholders to discuss the ongoing attacks.