By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the deployment of its members in four provinces to support the police amid the truck attacks.
At least 21 trucks have been torched in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga since last weekend.
Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the attacks, and they are expected to appear in court on Monday.
National SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, announced that three suspects had been arrested as part of the investigation into the attacks.
“Two of the suspects were arrested at their residences, one on a farm in Piet Retief and the other in Ermelo. The third suspect was arrested in Emalahleni.”
“All three suspects are facing charges of malicious damage to property and will appear in court on Monday.”
Spokesperson Simphiwe Dlamini says their role is to support the police.
“We will be assisting the police, and when we deploy, we work according to their plan. In many instances, we follow their plan of action. The deployment is in support of the South African Police Services.”
Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned those behind the destruction of public infrastructure following the recent attacks on trucks.
Ramaphosa said the attacks were against South Africa’s culture of respect for the law and the Constitution.
“We are also talking about a culture that is against criminality [and] is against destroying public infrastructure that is meant to support and sustain the lives of South Africa,” he said.