A 34-year-old man is expected to appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court today (May 20) in connection with the alleged hijacking of a grader worth more than R2m, as well as kidnapping and possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.

Polokwane Review reports that, according to details released by Limpopo police spokesperson yesterday (May 19), the incident took place on Monday (May 18) along the R33 outside Bela-Bela.

Public works employee allegedly kidnapped

A 64-year-old employee of the Limpopo Department of Public Works was reportedly operating a grader when he was approached by two men who allegedly asked for assistance with clearing a site.

Police said the employee declined the request, after which one of the men allegedly threatened him with a firearm. The victim was reportedly dragged into nearby bushes and tied up.

According to police, one suspect remained with the victim while the other allegedly drove off with the grader.

The victim was allegedly held until later that evening when the remaining suspect fled after a vehicle stopped nearby.

Members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), who had reportedly been searching the area, assisted the victim.

Grader recovered

Police later recovered the grader in the Siyabuswa policing area, where a 34-year-old suspect was arrested.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the co-operation between the Sekhukhune Tracking Team, Tracker, rural safety structures, private security companies and the CPF.

Police investigations are continuing.

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