Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is awaiting an intelligence report on the recent attacks on trucks in the country, expressing concerns about their negative impact on the economy.
The president’s comments came after six trucks were set on fire in KwaZulu-Natal, coinciding with the anniversary of the widespread unrest that occurred in July 2021.
Ramaphosa expects law enforcement agencies to take action against those responsible for the attacks and emphasized the need to protect the vital infrastructure supporting the economy.
“I am concerned about these activities that take place that have a negative impact on our economy and it’s almost like economic sabotage. Burning six trucks on the main artery of our country in terms of the economy is concerning. The intelligence agencies are going to be giving me a report on that. It is not acceptable that trucks and facilities that are enhancing our economy are attacked.
“The intelligence agencies are going to be giving me a report on that shortly, and the police themselves will be taking steps to ensure that we foresaw [sic] whatever follow-up activity that those who are behind this might be planning. We are going to ensure that we go after those people who torched those trucks. It is not acceptable that trucks and facilities that are enhancing our economy are attacked willy-nilly just like that. It is a real concern,” Ramaphosa said.
Shortly after his remarks, five more trucks were set ablaze in Mpumalanga.
The president’s call for action comes amid criticism of the response by law enforcement agencies to the July 2021 unrest, with a panel report citing inadequate preparedness and blurred lines between the executive and the police.
The timing and content of the intelligence report are currently unknown.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
