Cape Town – Footage has surfaced of a truck being set on fire after the driver was forced out of the vehicle by an arsonist in a disturbing incident in Mpumalanga.
The video shows the driver complying with the arsonist’s orders to exit the truck.
The arsonist is seen entering the truck with a plastic bag, driving it for a short distance, and then setting it ablaze before jumping out.
The incident occurred around the same time as four other trucks were set alight in Mpumalanga on Wednesday morning.
#TruckAttacks pic.twitter.com/7K5i8GveKp
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) July 12, 2023
According to a police spokesperson, the attacks took place in Sheepmoor on the N2 between Piet Retief and Ermelo, resulting in severe damage to three trucks.
“Three [trucks] were seriously burned whilst one only burned in the cabin. One passenger (lady) sustained burned wounds on her feet as she was allegedly asleep in one of the trucks. She was taken for medical help by the EMS vehicle.
“It is alleged that people emerged from the grasses and approached the trucks with firearms and instructed the drivers to get out or otherwise they will burn them inside. They (drivers) then left and run away,” spokesperson in Mpumalanga Selvy Mohlala said.
The trucks were then set alight.
“No one has been arrested so far and the police are continuing with investigation. The motive for the attacks is unknown at the moment,” Mohlala said.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Bheki Cele said on Wednesday that police have identified 12 people of interest following the recent spate of attacks on freight trucks.
Cele said this during a media briefing.
“We are encouraged that 12 persons of interest have been identified through investigations.
[WATCH] “We are encouraged that 12 persons of interest have been identified through investigations.” – Police Minister Bheki Cele on the #TruckAttacks#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/t6d00asfeY
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 12, 2023
“[They] have been identified by names, some of them by address and some of them by the cars they drive,” he said.
Cele said that security measures have been implemented, and patrols are being conducted on high-risk routes.
“All major routes have been secured and patrols are being conducted on high-risk routes,” the minister said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
