A 45-year-old suspect involved in a recent truck hijacking is set to appear in court on Monday, January 22, 2024. Thanks to the efforts of Standerton SAPS and Kasselman Security, the suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee the scene.
The arrest serves as a testament to the determination of law enforcement agencies to combat vehicle theft and hijacking, which pose a significant challenge and strain on the country’s economy.
Since the start of 2024, over twenty vehicles have already been recovered in the Mpumalanga province. In this particular incident, a truck driver transporting Soya towards Standerton noticed a white Sedan with three male occupants driving in front of him at a slower pace.
Suddenly, two armed individuals from the Sedan forced their way into the truck, held the driver hostage, and proceeded to tie his hands, feet, and cover his head. The suspects then drove the truck towards Standerton CBD, leaving the driver in the bushes after robbing him of his mobile phone.
Upon learning of the suspicious activities surrounding the truck and its driver, the truck owners alerted law enforcement agencies. The truck was later spotted being driven by a suspect in Standerton, leading to an attempt to stop the vehicle.
The suspect collided with a security vehicle, causing the truck to overturn. The suspect was subsequently arrested and found in possession of a toy gun believed to have been used in the hijacking.
The arrested suspect is currently facing charges of possession of a suspected hijacked truck, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.
The truck driver, who managed to seek help and report the incident, has provided valuable information to aid the ongoing investigation. Authorities are now actively searching for the remaining suspects involved in the hijacking.
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The public is urged to assist law enforcement agencies by providing any information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects. Information can be shared through the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, has expressed appreciation for the successful partnership between the Police and Security Personnel, resulting in the recovery of the truck and the arrest of one suspect.
