NELSPRUIT - Mpumalanga police managed to recover a vehicle few hours after it was hijacked in Shatale near Bushbuckridge. The car was recovered next to Skukuza yesterday, Monday 29 August 2022 just after 01:00.

It is reported that a 31-year-old victim was opening the gate in his residential place when two armed suspects approached him and allegedly instructed him at gunpoint to lie down then searched him. They (suspects) further took his cell phones as well as R1800-00 before they shot him in his right leg. The victim was then forced into his vehicle, a white Mercedes Benz sedan and they drove off with him. The victim was later dropped off in the bushes in Shabalala Trust where he was left to fend for himself.

He was lucky as a passerby saw him and summoned an ambulance which took him to the hospital. After information was shared with White River K9 Unit members who were busy with their routine patrols managed to track the car down at Phola, Masoyi yesterday, Monday 29 August 2022 at about 13:00.

The vehicle was found abandoned in a dilapidated house. No arrests have been made as yet however police urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects 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.

Meanwhile the victim is recovering in hospital and police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect(s) as well as opened case with charges of attempted murder, hijacking and robbery.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned the violent incidents experienced in the area recently. The General also applauded K9 Unit members for speedily recovering the vehicle and indicated that it takes members with passion to perform their duties as expected.

Source: South African Police Service