The Harrismith Public Order Police Unit has arrested nine suspects and confiscated four bakkies following the looting of a maize truck that overturned on the N5 highway en route to Durban Harbour.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, at approximately 19:30, when police were called to the scene of the accident near Harrismith in the direction of Kestell. According to reports, the truck, transporting a load of maize, had overturned, prompting individuals to arrive with bakkies and begin looting the cargo.
Upon arrival, officers found several community members actively loading maize into the four bakkies. The complainant stated that after the accident, multiple vehicles had arrived and unlawfully removed the maize.
Police swiftly intervened, arresting nine suspects between the ages of 30 and 63, who were found in possession of suspected stolen property. The four seized bakkies were partially loaded with maize, with the total estimated value of the recovered cargo amounting to approximately R90,000.
The suspects are set to appear in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 June 2025, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
