Nelspruit:  A courier truck which was allegedly from Gauteng to Limpopo was reportedly hijacked but later found abandoned near Delmas though some of the luggage were allegedly stolen by a group of about five armed suspects who masqueraded as police officers. The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 29 November 2022.

According to the information, on 29 November 2022 in the morning the driver of a white Hino truck with Gauteng registration number plates which was pulling a trailer is said to have departed from Elandsfontein in Gauteng and was reportedly heading towards Polokwane in the Limpopo Province.

Whilst on the way driving along the R21 Road, it is said that a white VW Polo emerged, flashing blue lights with its siren on, and the occupants ordered the truck driver to stop. Thereafter, it is said that about five armed men dressed in what appeared to be police uniform alighted from the said vehicle. It is further alleged that the men were carrying pistols and a rifle. Two of the men reportedly got inside the truck then handcuffed the driver as well as covered his head with a jacket. It is also reported that they travelled with the victim for a while and during that time, his employers called often to find out whether everything was still in order. As he was held hostage, it is said that he could only respond that all was well. He was allegedly robbed by the suspects of his mobile phone as well as undisclosed amount of cash. However Nova Logistics tracking company somehow became suspicious and immediately activated their tracking device for the said truck.

In the early hours of the morning, the driver was let off the hook by his assailants then dumped on the R50 Road. Around 06:00 the truck and trailer were recovered on the R42 at Waaikraal settlement in the Delmas policing precinct.  Most of the load was missing.

Police were then contacted by SKYNET company about the hijacked truck.

A case of hijacking with an additional charge of armed robbery is being investigated by the police and members of the public with information that may assist in apprehending the suspects are urged to 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.

Source: South African Police Service