In a shocking incident that unfolded over the Easter weekend, a group of church members allegedly looted a truck carrying rice after it was involved in an accident along the N3 highway in the Free State province. The churchgoers were reportedly returning from a Good Friday celebration when they came across the scene of the accident.
The truck, which was transporting a large consignment of rice, veered off the road and overturned, spilling its contents across the roadside. Instead of rendering assistance or waiting for authorities, several individuals from a passing group of church members descended upon the truck and began taking bags of rice.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as dozens of people scrambled to collect as much rice as they could carry. Some were seen using bags and containers, while others loaded the goods into their vehicles. Videos and photos shared on social media showed individuals — some still dressed in church attire — grabbing the spilled goods without any apparent concern for the legal or moral implications of their actions.
Authorities arrived on the scene shortly after the incident but were unable to prevent the looting, as much of the cargo had already been taken by the time they got there. Local police have since launched an investigation and have condemned the behavior as both unlawful and unethical.
“This is unacceptable conduct,” said a spokesperson for the Free State SAPS. “Regardless of the circumstances, it is a criminal offense to take goods from an accident scene. We urge anyone who took part in the looting to return the stolen goods or face potential prosecution.”
The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many users expressing disappointment over the actions of individuals who had just come from a religious gathering. Commentators criticized the looters for abandoning the values of compassion and integrity that are typically associated with religious observance.
“It’s disheartening to see people who were celebrating a sacred event like Good Friday turn around and commit such an act,” said one social media user. “This is not the kind of behavior that represents true faith.”
Community leaders have also weighed in, calling for calm and encouraging people to reflect on the deeper meaning of the Easter season. Some religious organizations in the area have issued statements distancing themselves from the actions of those involved and emphasizing that such behavior does not reflect their teachings.
At this time, it is unclear if any arrests have been made, but authorities are reviewing footage and gathering information to identify those responsible. Meanwhile, the transport company that owns the rice truck is assessing the losses and working with insurers to recover damages.
The incident has reignited conversations around opportunistic looting, the role of community responsibility, and the moral obligations of citizens — particularly during times of crisis.