PHALABORWA: Hooliganism condemned
The police reported that the group of people burnt the truck and that is when nearby community members saw the fire on the road and immediately contacted the police who responded swiftly.
What is believed to be, a highly co-ordinated revolt within the structures of unemployment forums in the Ba-Phalaborwa region, could be the reason behind the burning and damaging of trucks, and illegal strikes on the R40 Road.
The Phalaborwa Police have not confirmed this, however they said that they are investigating several incidents of malicious damage to property following the burning and smashing of two trucks belonging to a well-known private company at the Makushane 4-way stop on Saturday evening, September 7.
According to a report from the Phalaborwa Police Communication officer, Sergeant Elvis Mongwe, the incidents occurred on Saturday at about 20:40 next to the Makhushane 4-way along the R40 road, widely known as the Phalaborwa/ Mica Road.
The driver of the first truck alleges that he was driving along the R40 Road and he was approaching Makhushane intersection together with his crew, when they saw a group of people who started to throw stones towards the truck.
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The rear window and the windscreen of the truck were smashed, however, the driver and his crew manage to drive past the group unharmed.
According to a police report the second driver and his crew were also approaching the Makhushane intersection when they saw the same group of people, and noticed that they had blocked the road.
“They started throwing stones at the truck also forcing them to stop the truck. The driver and his passengers got off the truck and ran for their lives,” stated Sergeant Mongwe.
The police reported that the group of people burnt the truck and that is when nearby community members saw the fire on the road and immediately contacted the police who responded swiftly.
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On arrival they discovered that the truck was in flames.
Two cases were opened and registered at the Phalaborwa SAPS and an investigation is underway.
Mongwe stated that the motive behind the irrational act was still unknown at the point.
The estimated cost of the loss is about R3 million. “We have not made any arrest at this stage,” stated Mongwe also mentioning that police investigation were unfolding. “We strongly condemn this barbaric act of hooliganism and we appeal to our community members to assist with information, which would lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible. Contact Phalaborwa SAPS on 015-781-9277, 079-891-2423,” concluded Mongwe.
