TRUCK ATTACKS: Coordinator identified by police

According to Police Minister Bheki Cele, the coordinator of the recent attack on trucks along with 12 other possible suspects have been identified. Since Sunday, 21 trucks have been torched on national highways in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

“These are organised and sophisticated operations. They are organised in one centre in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal and dispersed in different groups to do these things,” says Cele.

CELE SAYS ONLY CERTAIN PROVINCES HAVE BEEN TARGETED IN TRUCK ATTACKS

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In a media briefing,  Cele says the Intel they have suggests that the attacks may be business related and not random criminal acts. Also, there are no planned attacks on trucks in Gauteng or Free State.

The information comes after a high level meeting with provincial police commissioners of KZN, Mpumalanga, Free State, Limpopo and Gauteng along with national police commissioner Fannie Masemola.

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“We have found it necessary to apprise the nation of these criminal operations and outline the response of law enforcement to the isolated and cowardice acts,” says Cele.

“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.”

POLICE NOW ON HIGH ALERT

Cele says the police have heightened their visibility on roads in all provinces and look to prevent more attacks on the trucks.

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“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 who are hell-bent on causing havoc on our roads,” he stressed.

“All major routes have been secured and regular patrols are being conducted along identified high-risk routes” Cele concluded.