Free State Policespokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said it was on Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at approximately 19:30, police were called to the scene of a truck accident on the N5 near Harrismith, in the direction of Kestell.
It is alleged that the truck, carrying a cargo of maize, overturned and that individuals began looting the load using bakkies.
Upon arrival, police discovered several community members actively loading maize into the backs of four bakkies. The complainant reported that following the accident, multiple vehicles had arrived and unlawfully removed the maize cargo.
Nine suspects, aged between 30 and 63, were arrested at the scene in possession of suspected stolen property. The four bakkies, each partially loaded with maize estimated at a total value of approximately R90,000, were seized.
The suspects are expected to appear in Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 June 2025, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property.