Ramaphosa slams ‘mindless and bloody lawlessness’ as truck attacks continue
President Cyril Ramaphosa has slammed the spate of attacks on truck and truck drivers around the country – saying government won’t tolerate “mindless and bloody lawlessness”.
Several provinces, including Gauteng, has seen a series of attacks on trucks over the past two weeks.
The All Truck Drivers Foundation is blaming government for not addressing the hiring of foreign nationals, but has distanced itself from the burning of trucks.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, Ramaphosa condemned the violence and vandalism affecting the road freight industry.
He also commended police for making arrests in connection with the attacks.
“As South Africans, we cannot possibly tolerate the mindless and bloody lawlessness with which the road freight industry is being targeted.
“We cannot tolerate this loss of life and destruction of property," Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said he is also deeply concerned about the effect of the violence on owners and employees of trucking companies, as well as the economic disruption.
Ramaphosa ordered Ministers of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Minister of Police Bheki Cele to submit a report on this matter.
