This, after ten people were arrested for looting on the N3 near Warden following a truck accident. The suspects were arrested on Wednesday (8/10), and items, including bags of flour and vehicles allegedly used in the commission of the crime, were confiscated. 

They appeared at Warden Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (9/10), where each was granted R500 bail, said Free State police spokesperson, Mmako Mophiring. All suspects are facing charges of theft and possession of suspected stolen property.

On Wednesday, Warden police responded to a truck accident on the N3 near the T-junction, where a truck transporting 10-kilogram bags of cake flour had overturned. Shortly after the accident, some community members from a nearby township swarmed the scene and began looting the cargo, loading it into their vehicles and trailers. 

According to the police report, Warden police called for backup from the Harrismith Public Order Police Unit, which quickly stabilised the situation and arrested several individuals found in possession of the looted property.

A truck transporting 10-kilogram bags of cake flour had overturned on the N3. Photo supplied

Others were caught red-handed and charged with theft from a motor vehicle. The police also seized vehicles believed to have been used during the crime.

Police cautioned that it is unlawful to steal property that does not belong to you or to tamper with evidence at a police crime scene. Anyone found committing such acts will face prosecution.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh