By Emily Setona
WARDEN – Ten people have been arrested for allegedly looting bags of flour from a truck that overturned on the N3 near Warden on Wednesday, 8 October.
Police said the truck, which was transporting 10-kilogram bags of cake flour, overturned near the T-junction on the busy highway. Moments after the crash, nearby residents reportedly rushed to the scene and began loading flour into cars and trailers.
Officers from Warden Police Station called for backup from the Harrismith Public Order Police Unit, which quickly restored order and apprehended several suspects. Vehicles allegedly used in the looting were also seized.
Thabo Mofutsanyana SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, praised the swift police response and warned the public against taking goods from accident scenes.
“Our members acted promptly to stabilise the situation and arrested individuals found in possession of the stolen flour. We remind the public that taking goods from an accident scene is theft and a punishable offence,” he said.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Warden Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of theft and possession of suspected stolen property.
Warrant Officer Mophiring further urged residents to respect accident and crime scenes.
“It is unlawful to interfere with police work or tamper with evidence. Anyone caught doing so will face prosecution,” he cautioned.
The arrests come as South Africa marks Transport Month, which promotes road safety and responsible behaviour on the country’s roads. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
