GAUTENG – On Friday, 04 November 2022 police in Tshwane with the assistance of K9 “Aida” arrested three suspects, aged between 24 and 34, in Irene on charges of truck hijacking, kidnapping and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Cargo with an estimated value of R2 million was also recovered.

Members of the Tshwane Search and Research Team with K9 “Aida” were reportedly out searching for a missing person in a veld in Irene when they were alerted that armed suspects are in the area. Shortly after, three suspects were apprehended by the members and K9 “Aida”.

According to a preliminary report, earlier yesterday the truck driver and his crew were making their way from Kempton Park to Silverton when they were confronted by four suspects. The suspects then allegedly drove off with their victims in the hijacked truck until Irene whereby they allegedly ordered the victims to offload the cargo, namely paint with an estimated value of R2 million.

The suspects allegedly fled on foot in different directions when they allegedly felt triggered that a passer-by will alert the police.

Three suspects were shortly after apprehended while the fourth suspect managed to evade arrest.

A search led the SAPS members to recover one unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as one imitation firearm.

Source: South African Police Service