NELSPRUIT – Two alleged hijackers were arrested on two separate incidents. One, aged 37 was nabbed after he together with his accomplices allegedly attempted to hijack a truck in Hazyview on the R40 Road near da Gama dam on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 meanwhile another suspect aged 29 was arrested on allegations that he was part of a group of suspects who tried to hijack a man of his private vehicle in Balfour on Wednesday, 14 December 2022 around 16:45.
According to the information, it is said that on the said Wednesday around 10:00 a truck driver was driving along the R40 Road in Kiepersol from Nelspruit direction towards Hazyview side. The driver was reportedly followed by a silver Chevrolet Corsa bakkie with four occupants inside who ordered him to stop whilst pointing him with a firearm but he managed to press the panic button and alerted the authorities, including Nestar, Taysec security, the Provincial tracking team, as well as Vispol members from Hazyview. This scared off the suspects and they decided to drive off however the law enforcement agencies collaboratively got into a high speed chase after spotting the suspects’ vehicle. The bakkie is said to have then lost control and overturned at a certain bridge at Majika Trust. Thereafter two suspects fled the scene on foot whilst the other two who sustained some injuries were apprehended. A firearm with ammunition were reportedly found in their possession. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in other crimes committed elsewhere.
An ambulance was summoned to the scene however before it arrived one of the two male suspects succumbed to his injuries. The other remaining and injured suspect was taken to hospital for treatment then later discharged. He is expected to appear at the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 December 2022 facing a charge of attempted armed robbery as well as possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Meanwhile a man is said to have been driving near Balfour in a gold Kia Picanto along the R23 Road from Heidelberg direction towards Balfour. It is said that he offered a lift to three males on that said Wednesday (14 December 2022). It is further reported that as they were traveling, one of the three men asked the driver to slow down. That was when one amongst the hitchhikers, sitting at the back seat allegedly began to strangle the driver with a rope. It is further indicated that the driver wrestled with the three suspects as he brought the vehicle to its halt which drew attention to other motorists who then stopped as well to offer their help. The three suspects reportedly jumped out of the motor vehicle and ran to the nearby bushes with tall grass.
The incident was reported to the police in Balfour and the astute members immediately began with an investigation as well as a lookout after a case was opened. Information was gathered and the investigation led to the arrest of one suspect in Balfour on the same day of the incident around 18h10.
The suspect was charged for alleged attempted hijacking and he is expected to appear at the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 December 2022 facing the said charge.
In both incidents, police are still in pursuit of the remaining suspects and urge members of the public to assist with any information that may lead to their arrest. Members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed this notable successes which are a sign that the law enforcement agencies are doing their best to eradicate hijackings in the province. The General further cautioned members of the public to refrain from hitchhiking or giving hitchhikers lifts as this may as well put their lives in serious danger.
Source: South African Police Service