TRUCKS

ONE of the underlying causes of the July unrest is the culture of impunity that pervades our society.

For instance, over several years now, continuing violent and destructive protests by some in the trucking industry have damaged the economy, but no effective action has been taken against those responsible for such deeds.

It is therefore not unreasonable to assume that those involved in the economic blockade of the N3 freeway in July 2021 did not expect the arm of the law to reach them, and hence acted with complete impunity.

The attacks on trucks especially at the Mooi River Toll Plaza need special attention.

It was reported that 37 trucks were torched during the July unrest.

The following questions arise:

◆ This being a well-known hotspot for several years now, why was there no, let alone adequate security deployment made in reasonable anticipation of more attacks there?

◆ The problems in the trucking industry have been well articulated in the public domain. The aggrieved stakeholders appear to be organised and make it clear that they will resort to unlawful means to achieve their demands. Yet investigations, arrests, prosecutions, convictions and deterrent sentencing appear to be non-existent. Is this another example of complete state failure?

It is important for the state to uphold the law and act against those who commit crimes and violence.