A man was arrested for the attempted hijacking of a truck on the R40 towards Hazyview on Wednesday December 14.

A 37-year-old man was arrested in connection with an attempted hijacking of a truck travelling on the R40 near Da Gama Dam on December 14.

A statement by a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said a truck was heading on the R40 from Mbombela towards Hazyview when a silver Chevrolet Corsa bakkie with four occupants ordered the truck driver at gunpoint to stop.

Mohlala said the driver was able to press his panic button, alerting Nestar and Taysec Security as well as the provincial tracking team and Vispol members from Hazyview.

“This scared off the suspects and they decided to drive off,” said Mohlala.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies collaboratively managed to track the bakkie and a high-speed chase ensued.

The driver is said to have lost control of the bakkie and overturned at the bridge near Majika Trust.

“Two suspects fled the scene on foot while the other two sustained injuries and were apprehended.”

Mohlala said a firearm with ammunition was reportedly found in their possession. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in other crimes committed elsewhere.

Mohlala said an ambulance was called to the scene to treat the suspects, however, one of the men succumbed to his injuries before they arrived.

The surviving suspect was taken to hospital and was later discharged.

He is expected to appear in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court on December 29, facing a charge of attempted armed robbery as well as possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition.

Mohlala has urged that anyone with information about the matter to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.