Police arrested six suspects following the torching of trucks on the N3 highway in Ekurhuleni on May 3.
The first suspect was arrested shortly after the incident while five other suspects were rounded up a few hours later in Leondale, Alberton.
Police reports alleged that at approximately 5.15am on Monday, a truck was petrol-bombed by a group of unknown people on the N3 highway near Leondale.
The driver of the truck escaped unharmed.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Capt Kay Makhubela, the same group of suspects are reported to have attacked two other trucks and allegedly took the keys and left the trucks in the middle of the road.
“Police responded and arrested one suspect on the scene while others fled on foot,” said Makhubela.
“Police continued with the search operation and arrested five more suspects in Leondale,” he added.
Gauteng police commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela welcomed the arrest of six people suspected to be behind the torching of trucks.
“This success comes as a result of swift and decisive action by police and should send a stern message to criminals that police will come after them. Such acts of lawlessness will not be left unpunished. We will ensure the perpetrators are caught and face the full might of the law,” said Mawela.
The six suspects are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on May 5 to face charges of malicious damage to property, attempted hijacking and interfering with essential infrastructure.
In a separate case, a search is underway for suspects following the petrol-bombing of two trucks on May 1 on the R59 highway in Alberton.
The truck drivers escaped unharmed.
Any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators may be provided anonymously to the SAPS by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone.
