GQEBERHA - Immediate activation of information led to the arrest of one suspect (39) and the recovery of a hijacked truck with cargo even before the complainant could report the case at SAPS Kwadwesi.
It is alleged that today at approximately 07:15, SAPS Kwadwesi members received information about a truck that was hijacked in Kwamagxaki. The members immediately patrolled the Joe Slovo area in search of the truck. While still in the area, they spotted the truck. Kariega K9 Unit members provided back up and managed to successfully intercept the truck. Two suspects alighted from the truck in an attempt to evade arrest with SAPS Kwadwesi members hot on their heels. The K9 Unit members remained at the truck to prevent possible looting. One suspect was arrested while the other managed to evade an arrest. A jamming device and three cell phones belonging to the driver of the truck and his co-workers were also recovered.
The complainant reported the hijacking at SAPS Kwadwesi later in the morning, where he alleged that at approximately 06:15, he was stationary at an intersection at Kwamagxaki when he was pointed with a firearm and forced out of the truck. The complainant was forced into a brown BMW while the one suspect drove off with the truck. The suspects drove towards Despatch with the complainant where they stopped next to the freeway and forced him out of the vehicle.
The estimated value of the truck and the goods recovered are R270 000.00. Detectives will be probing a possible link of the suspect to other hijackings committed in the area.
The suspect will appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Thandiswa Kupiso commended the team work between SAPS Kwadwesi and Kariega K9 Unit for the recovery and the arrest. “Truck hijackings have a heavy impact on the economy and communities and businesses are urged to immediately report any suspicious activities taking place. Businesses are also advised to improve on their security measures when transporting goods,” added Brig Kupiso.
Source: South African Police Service