By Kopano Dibakwane
The South African Police Service(SAPS) in Mpumalanga, under the leadership of provincial commissioner-lieutenant general Semakaleng Manamela, received praises from MEC for community safety, security and liaison (DCSSL), Vusi Shongwe, following the arrest of 5 suspects allegedly linked to the burning of trucks in two separate cases in Mpumalanga.
Shongwe said that the police should continue working hard to ensure that all those who are responsible are brought to book.
The first incident reportedly occurred on the N4 toll road near Machardodorp where five trucks were burned before midnight on 9 July. The second incident was reported on the N2 road between Piet Retief and Ermelo whereby 4 trucks were set alight.
” 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. Seemingly, more arrests are imminent. We therefore want the security cluster to pull all the stops to ensure that those who are embarrassing our province and the country, are harshly dealt(with). In fact, they must be made example of,” said Shongwe.
The MEC added that trucks transport various goods across neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and eSwatini, including other provinces in South Africa, thus contributing immensely to the economy.
” Many more people are employed in this (truck) industry, that is why no acts of economic sabotage should be allowed to thrive,” he said.
Shongwe continued his call to truck divers and members of the public to report any suspicious activities or people to the police.
A total of five suspects were reportedly apprehended in Mpumalanga and they will appear in Ermelo magistrate’s court on Monday.
