SAPS Clarifies Social Media Videos of Burnt Truck on Geysdorp/Delareyville Road
POTCHEFSTROOM – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West, via the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, has issued a clarification regarding social media videos showing members of the public collecting goods from a burnt truck on the Geysdorp/Delareyville Road. Police have dismissed claims that the vehicle was looted, stating that the actions of the community were entirely lawful.
The Incident
According to official police reports, the incident occurred on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at approximately 05:50.
Cause: A Scania truck and two trailers, transporting bags of maize meal, caught fire roughly 20 km outside Delareyville after a tyre burst.
Damage: The driver’s attempts to extinguish the blaze were unsuccessful, resulting in extensive damage to the truck and one trailer. No injuries were reported.
Resolution: The local Fire Department successfully brought the fire under control.
Allegations of Looting Refuted
SAPS clarified that following the containment of the fire, the owner of the cargo explicitly granted permission for local community members to salvage the remaining undamaged bags of maize meal.
"It is therefore incorrect and misleading to suggest that community members looted the truck," the SAPS statement read. "No looting took place, no criminal conduct was reported, and no criminal case was registered."
The matter has been officially recorded as a damage report rather than a criminal investigation.
Concerns Over Misinformation
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed concern over the circulation of unverified videos that falsely depict lawful actions as criminal. Police warned that spreading such misleading content risks damaging community reputations, creating unnecessary social tension, and undermining public trust.
Major General Naidoo urged the public to verify information through official sources before sharing it on social media. He also commended the coordinated and responsible efforts of the Fire Brigade, Provincial Traffic, the Farmers' Union Control Room, the truck owner, and the community during the incident.
Information obtained by: Department of Community Safety and Transport Manage
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