FREE STATE - The District Commissioner of Mangaung Metro Major-General Arthur Peter Adams recently approved a Multi-disciplinary Operation strategically executed to prevent cross-border crimes affecting the District. Yesterday at about 22:00 the Operation yielded results as one suspect was arrested by Tactical Response Team in possession of a stolen White Ford Ranger in Boesmanskop heading towards the Tower area of the border.

A case of car hijacking had been opened earlier at Bloemspruit Police Station. This is after a 28-year-old complainant from Vista Park in Bloemfontein alleged that he went to Bloemspruit Phase 5 with his male friend to fetch another friend in his White Ford Ranger Double Cab. When they stopped at the address they were accosted by unknown males carrying firearms. The suspects ordered them to move to the back seat and drove to a secluded part of Phase 7.

They all alighted from the vehicle and the victims were ordered to lay down on the ground by the suspects. They were then searched and robbed of cellphones. Two of the four suspects held the victims hostage whilst two others drove off with the complainant's Ford Ranger. After a calculated period of time the victims were allowed to go. They sought help in the neighbourhood and later reported the crime at Bloemspruit Police Station.

Tactical Response Team members executing a Way-lay Operation in Van Stadensrus area spotted a vehicle approaching at a high speed. The members gave chase and the suspects dumped the vehicle in the middle of the road and started running.

The team searched the veld and managed to arrest the 34-year-old suspect. A case of possession of stolen motor vehicle was opened at Van Stadensrus Police Station. It was later confirmed that the vehicle was hijacked in Bloemspruit Phase 5. The suspect will appear on Monday 8 February 2022 in Bloemfontein Magistrate Court. The three other suspects are still on the loose.

Source: South African Police Service