Four men remain in custody after appearing in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (September 22) on charges linked to a Sunnyside hijacking and kidnapping investigation, reports Pretoria Rekord.

The men appeared on charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm and suspected stolen property, with bail denied pending further investigation.

Liquor store tip-off

Pretoria Central police spokesperson Sergeant Thabang Nkhumise said the arrest was in relation to a hijacking that took place in Sunnyside.

“The victim, who owns a business in the inner city, was kidnapped and robbed of his belongings and his car during the weekend in Sunnyside,” Nkhumise said, adding that the victim tipped off police after a transaction of about R17 000 was made with his card at Pretoria West Altra Liquor.

“During a lookout, members located the stolen vehicle linked to a reported case of hijacking and kidnapping at Sunnyside SAPS.”

Stolen vehicles recovered

Nkhumise confirmed that members, assisted by Pretoria West police, managed to corner the white Kia associated with the transaction at the corner of WF Nkomo Street.

The suspect in the vehicle was interviewed and led the team to a house in Atteridgeville, where the four accused, said to be connected to other crimes, were found.

“A revolver loaded with three rounds and two stolen cellphones taken from the victim were also recovered, and the suspects led members to Mbamong Hostel, where the stolen white Toyota RAV4 was kept,” Nkhumise added.

Community vigilance praised

The station commander of Pretoria Central SAPS, Brigadier Hlengani Gibin Mashaba, applauded the members and asserted that the case emphasises the importance of whistle-blowing.

“We want to applaud our members for making these arrests. This shows that whistle-blowing is of vital importance, and we thanked the victim for coming forward and reporting to the police. We further urge the community to be more vigilant and guard against possible threats or criminal acts,” Mashaba said.

Police said further investigations will be conducted, which may result in additional charges regarding the hijacking and kidnapping.

The accused have not yet been formally charged with those offences.

Residents with any information regarding this case can contact Crime Stop on 0860 10111, dial 112 from a cellphone, contact Pretoria Central Police Station on 012 353 5000 or 012 353 5001, or use the MySAPS app.

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