Kabelo Tlhabanelo
Free State police have launched a manhunt for the suspects responsible for shooting at truck drivers and setting five trucks on fire on Saturday night.
It’s the latest in a string of similar attacks after about 20 trucks were torched recently.
The drivers said that on Saturday night, a truck was petrol-bombed and forced to stop on the R59 near Parys and Sasolburg, blocking the road. Shots were allegedly fired at the other trucks forcing them to stop.
The drivers fled into the nearby field and four other trucks were then set alight. The Sasolburg Fire Department put the flames out later.
The motive for the attack is under investigation and there are no arrests yet.
The truck drivers were treated for shock at Parys District Hospital.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Detective Warrant Officer Freddie Nel at 083 756 7977, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or send information via MySaps App.
Sasolburg resident and farmworker Frans Molemi said the attacks are hitting the food industry.
He told Scrolla.Africa: “I work at the farms and the trucks help with the delivery of food and other essentials. I don’t know why the residents attacked the trucks but I wish they could see that what they do will be bad for them too.”
Truckers posted about the incident on the Facebook page of the SA Long-distance Truckers and said: “Another five trucks burnt last night. Twenty trucks were burnt a few nights ago. Has anyone taken responsibility? Are there specific companies being targeted? Why are the Minister of Police and the Minister of Transport so quiet?”
A letter is allegedly circulating among truck drivers saying they should not go on the road from Monday until Wednesday.
