PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence and vandalism affecting the road freight industry.
This comes after a series of arson attacks which saw more than 30 trucks set alight in the past few days.
“As South Africans, we cannot possibly tolerate the mindless and bloody lawlessness with which the road freight industry is being targeted,” said Ramaphosa.
“We cannot tolerate this loss of life and destruction of property.”
Ramaphosa commended the police work that has led to arrests of perpetrators of violence in Gauteng in the past 24 hours.
The president offered his sincere condolences to the families and colleagues of drivers who have lost their lives through the intimidation and violence perpetrated by criminals.
He also offered his wishes for a speedy recovery to drivers who have sustained physical injuries and psychological trauma during these incidents.
The president is also deeply concerned about the effect of this violence on owners and employees of the affected trucking companies, as well as the economic disruption caused by these acts just as the country is focused on rebuilding the economy.
Ramaphosa has directed Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi and the Ministers of Transport, Home Affairs and Police – to submit a report on this matter to the president within the coming weeks.
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
