Man Arrested After R500k Cigarette Van Hijacked In Mpumalanga

A 30-year-old man has been arrested following the hijacking of a cigarette delivery van carrying stock worth an estimated R500,000 in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on Tuesday morning.

Hijackers block van and force victims into getaway vehicle

According to police, the hijacking took place at around 8.30 am on the Sabie/White River road when a white Kia overtook the delivery van and abruptly stopped in front of it. Two armed men exited the Kia — one wielding a pistol, the other a rifle — and confronted the delivery crew.

The occupants of the white Haval delivery van were forced out at gunpoint and loaded into the Kia. The victims were then driven into a nearby plantation.

“Once deep inside the plantation, the victims were instructed to run and not look back,”
said provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

The victims later found workers in the area who helped them raise the alarm.

Stolen van abandoned, second vehicle found loaded with cigarettes

Police and vehicle-tracking services were activated immediately. The stolen van was soon discovered abandoned on the same road. Investigators spotted tyre tracks leading back into the plantation and followed them.

This led to the discovery of a Toyota Quantum filled with 28 boxes of stolen cigarettes. One suspect was arrested on the spot, while the others fled into the dense plantation and remain at large.

Man to appear in court

The arrested man is expected to appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of hijacking and robbery.

Authorities have urged anyone with information that may help trace the remaining suspects to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to use the My SAPS App. Callers may remain anonymous, and all information will be handled confidentially.

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