Minister of Police Bheki Cele, announced during a media briefing session in Pretoria, on 12 July 2023, that the South African Police Service has identified 12 people of interest behind the recent truck attacks, in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
“There are 12 People that have been identified, people of interest, by names, some of them by address, and some of them by the cars they drive.” Says Police Minister Bheki Cele.
Mr Cele further added that in-depth details about the progress of investigations regarding truck torching incidents cannot be shared with the public for now. However, what can be shared is that the 12 people of interest are “organised in one centre in one portion of KZN Northern part, and are dispersed in different groups to do these things.”
Since Sunday 09 July 2023, about 21 trucks have been attacked and set alight. The accurate motive behind the torching of the trucks is still not yet known. However, Cele said that intelligence suggested that the motive of these attacks on trucks might be business related, and not just random acts of criminality.
He further dismissed speculations people made, stating that these attacks were somehow linked to the July unrest which took place back 2021, as false. “No evidence that recent truck attacks are linked to the 2021 July unrest. Said Bheki Cele.
“Evidence before us points to organised coordinated and sophisticated operations that seek to undermine and sabotage the state.”, says Cele.
Cele added that irrespective of the motive behind these crimes, South Africa’s law enforcement agencies remain on high alert and are working hard to prevent future attacks. Law enforcement is also working towards finding these culprits behind the attacks.
All major routes have been secured and regular patrols are being conducted along identified high-risk routes. The police also urge motorists to report suspicious people and activities to the police.
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Written by: Prince Neo Mokwena
Image: The Citizen
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