Three trucks were torched allegedly by community members during a protest in Phalaborwa, Limpopo on Wednesday evening. The police say according to information, members of the community went on a rampage, barricaded the R40 and R71 with stones, and branches of trees, and also burned tyres.

DAMAGES ESTIMATED AT R2 MILLION

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said allegedly, some unruly and opportunistic criminals took advantage of the protest, thus attacking three truck drivers and ordering them out of the trucks in the process. "They then searched them and robbed them of their cellphones. They then went on to burn their trucks. The damage is estimated at a value of R2 million. The motive behind the incident is currently unknown but police investigations are underway. No one has been arrested yet," he said.

MANHUNT FOR PEPETRATORS

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered a massive manhunt for the suspects responsible for the tortching of the trucks. "No one has a right to take the law into his or her own hands. We urge our communities to resolve their disputes amicably by engaging the local leadership rather than resorting to acts of violence. Any damage to property or essential infrastructure is punishable by law," Hadebe said. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects involved should contact Detective Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Freddie Lubbe 082 573 3601 or the crime stop number or the nearest Police Station or MySAPSApp. Police have opened three cases of malicious damage to property and investigations that are still ongoing.