Tonga police recovered a hijacked truck within 40 minutes
The truck was hijacked at gunpoint. The value of the truck and the goods it was transporting is estimated at R2m.
A swift response by police in Tonga resulted in a recovery of a truck less than 40 minutes after it was hijacked at KaMhlushwa near Tonga on Monday October 16.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the truck was travelling from Mbombela to KaMhlushwa when it was hijacked at about 10:00.
The truck driver and his crewman said that a silver Toyota Etios overtook them and stopped right in front of the truck, obstructing them from driving further.
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“Two armed men alighted from the Toyota Etios and attacked the driver. They allegedly pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to get off the truck. The two victims got off, leaving their cellphones inside the truck. The suspects fled the scene in the truck,” he said.
Mdhluli added that the victims managed to get assistance from a community member who borrowed them a phone to contact the police. A hijacking case was opened at KaMhlushwa SAPS and police immediately shared the message with nearby stations.
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“Tonga SAPS members responded swiftly and blocked all possible escape routes. During this time Tonga SAPS members spotted the truck driving at a high speed in Tonga. The truck was followed and when the suspects realised that they were being pursued they stopped the truck, got off and ran away on foot before disappearing into nearby bushes,” Mdhluli added.
He said the truck was recovered and both the truck as well as the cargo, estimated at about R2m, were recovered.
Further investigation has since revealed that truck was destined for KaMhlushwa and Malalane.
Police urge anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Detective Warrant Officer Moses Mbambo on 082 389 8112, or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Alternatively community members can send information via My SAPS app.
