No prosecution for truck theft in Ventersburg since 2021
In his reply, the Minister alleges that part of the problem relates to complainants (truck drivers) not residing in the area and cannot easily reach Ventersburg to give evidence.
Not a single person has been successfully prosecuted for robbing trucks along the N1 at Ventersburg since at least 2021.
According to an official Parliamentary reply to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) question, Police Minister Bheki Cele indicates that a total of 170 cases have been reported since April 2021, of which 0% have been prosecuted. In 145 of these cases, no arrests were made, another six were withdrawn due to lack of evidence and a total of 19 cases are still before the court.
Recently, local business owners have alleged they have lost up to 30% of their revenue due to robberies and plundering. They further allege that the culprits are the so-called Nyope Boys gang, yet the police have over the last four years failed to address any of these crimes.
In his reply, the Minister alleges that part of the problem relates to complainants (truck drivers) not residing in the area and cannot easily reach Ventersburg to give evidence.
