Limpopo police have launched an investigation after 10 vehicles were torched separately, following a similar modus operandi in the past six months. The incidents took place in different villages in Zebediela, Limpopo. 

MODUS OPERANDI

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said an immediate probe has been ordered by the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner following a series of torching's of vehicles, all executed with a similar modus operandi between January and the beginning of July. "There have been more than ten reported cases of vehicles being deliberately set on fire across the Moletlane policing precinct in Zebediela. Preliminary investigations indicate a consistent pattern in the methods used, suggesting a deliberate effort by an individual(s) targeting vehicles parked at residential properties during the early hours. In three of the incidents, the properties were also partially torched," explained Ledwaba.

INCIDENTS 

Ledwaba said the latest incident took place on Thursday, July 4, at about 2 am in Mawaneng village. "A Nissan Navara that was parked next to a residential property was torched. Some of the property inside the house also caught fire. In another incident that occurred in May, the assailant torched an Isuzu bakkie in Moletlane village, while a Toyota Hilux bakkie was also set alight in June at Matjatji village," he said. Ledwaba said that following these senseless acts, a special task team has been established. "The members are actively collaborating to apprehend the perpetrators behind these destructive acts. The motive behind the incidents is still subject to police investigation. Police have since opened cases of arson and malicious property damage," he added. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said they are committed to protecting communities and their property, and they urge anyone with information related to the incidents to come forward.