MEC Shongwe condemns Middelburg road rage attack
11 February 2013
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has condemned the attack of 26 men during a road rage incident in Middelburg on Saturday [09 February 2013].
The attackers who were believed to be more than 50 at the scene, are allegedly members of a local group comprises of farmers.
The attack allegedly comes after a driver of one of two kombis belonging to a Middelburg company overtook a sedan driven by a white man on N11 road which is under construction, 200m to a stop and go zone.
All three vehicles were travelling from the direction of Limpopo to Middelburg.
After being overtaken, the driver of the sedan flashed lights and stopped the kombi which lead to an argument between them. The owner of the kombis was later called to the scene and intervened to end the argument.
All three vehicles proceeded to the direction of Middelburg. After 20 kilometres, the two kombis were blocked by a number of vehicles which were occupied by a group of white men who allegedly attacked the occupants of the kombis by fists and various weapons.
Six of the 26 occupants of the kombis were rushed to hospital with serious injuries, including one who was allegedly shot at the back with rubber bullets. Three cases of Assault GBH and one of attempted murder have been opened.
MEC Shongwe wishes the injured people a speedy recovery and has also seriously condemned the attack saying that the attackers must face the law.
“People must not take the law into their own hands, if the driver of the kombi drove recklessly, the driver of the sedan should have called traffic officers and reported him.
We cannot allow such brutality in our communities. The law is applicable to everyone, whether white or black,” said Shongwe.
He further called on police to ensure that the attackers are arrested as soon as possible so that they can be prosecuted.
For more information contact:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by the department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
