Talking points for Minister of Police General Bheki Cele on occasion of the media briefing on the update on criminality targeted at trucks hosted in Pretoria 12 July 2023
Good Afternoon to you all.
The Police Ministry has just concluded a high-level meeting with Provincial Commissioners of KZN, Limpopo, Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, led by the National Police Commissioner General Masemola.
In this meeting we were taken through all the incidents on the attacks and burning of (21) trucks in the country’s (3) provinces, namely Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
We have found it necessary to apprise the nation on these criminal operations and outline the response of law enforcement to the isolated and cowardice acts.
Whether it is Economic Sabotage, Labour or Service delivery related disputes, Police are closing in on those who choose to use violence and intimidation for whatever motive.
Intelligence suggests that attacks on trucks may be business related and we know that these are not just random acts of criminality.
Evidence before us points to organized coordinated and sophisticated operations that seek to undermine and sabotage the state.
We are encouraged that (12) persons of interest have been identified through investigations and intelligence collection.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to take this media briefing through all cases that have been reported and are being investigated by the police.
KwaZulu-Natal:
In KZN, a total of (9) trucks were attacked since Sunday 09 July to date.
In the first incident, six (6) trucks along the Van Reenen’s pass in KwaZulu-Natal, were burnt on Sunday night.
One truck driver refused to stop when accosted by the group of armed men who shot at the truck, the driver managed to drive away unharmed.
This was the first reported incident of attacks on freight trucks in the country.
On the N11 in Engogo – (one) truck was burnt.
Two (2) more trucks were set alight on the N2 in Empangeni where armed men attacked and robbed the two truck drivers on Monday 10 July.
KZN police are investigating a case of armed robbery, malicious damage to property and attempted murder.
Detectives assigned to the cases are closely following up on leads and continue to gather and study all evidence at their disposal.
Mpumalanga:
(9) trucks have been torched in the Mpumalanga province with the latest incident taking place in the early hours of this morning between Ermelo and Sheepmore, where four (4) trucks were attacked and set alight.
Five trucks were set alight and attacked on Sunday evening on the N4 near Waterval Boven.
Police in that province are following up on strong leads.
Limpopo:
In the early hours of Monday morning, (3) trucks heading to the local Chrome mine along the R577 between Lydenburg and Sekhukhune in Limpopo, were attacked and burnt by six (6) armed men.
Police investigations are so far pointing towards an ongoing labour dispute and service delivery issues in the Lydenburg mining belt.
Police in that province are investigating three cases of malicious damage to property and robbery and are expecting to make arrests soon.
Members of the media,
We want to make it very clear that to date, there have been no targets on trucks in the Free State and Gauteng provinces.
Free State:
In the Free State, on Monday, a truck experienced mechanical failure and caught fire. The driver escaped unharmed.
A second incident, a truck capsized and burst into flames.
The driver of that vehicle is recovering in hospital.
Gauteng
In Gauteng, we have noted incorrect media reportage of trucks being torched as part of the coordinated truck attacks.
Provincial Commissioner of that province has confirmed that two trucks were involved in two separate accidents.
One truck carrying flammable cargo had a burst trye and capsized and burst into flames while driving on the R59.
In the second incident, a truck driver lost control and truck overturned trailer caught fire on the N12
Both truck drivers escaped unharmed.
Members of the media,
We remain adamant that both these incidents are not related to the coordinated and planned attacks on trucks and should be reported as such.
Plan of action
The plan of action from the police is already underway.
NO matter the motive, the country’s law enforcement remains on high alert and is hard at work at preventing more attacks but also finding these individuals or gangs of thugs’ hell bent in causing havoc on our roads.
It is on this score, that the SAPS has heighted police visibility and leaving nothing to chance in all provinces.
All major routes have been secured and regular patrols are being conducted along identified high-risk routes.
July unrest
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While this week marks two years since we saw mass looting, acts of arson and wanton destruction in KwaZulu- Natal and Gauteng province, where 354 people lost their lives as a result of the mayhem.
As things stand, there is no evidence before us to suggest that the recent target on trucks are in any way related or linked to the July insurrection.
I wish to take this opportunity to allay any fears that what transpired in July 2021 will repeat itself.
To date 67 people have been arrested on (11) cases related to the July insurrection.
These cases are before the courts while investigations continue.
Police are investigating 107 cases in KZN related to the torching of trucks since 2018.
We have a capable state that has learnt from the past.
The security apparatus are working in unison and the Security cluster is in a better state to respond to any eventuality.
In conclusion
Police are working with agility and are working closely together to bring a stop to these organized crimes and make arrests.
We appeal to road users and motorists and truck drivers to report suspicious people and activities to the police.
I thank you.
