Cops nab five armed hijackers in oSizweni
Cigarettes to the value of about R680 000 were recovered, along with the hijacked vehicle.
Newcastle Public Order Police and Dannhauser detectives nabbed five suspects for hijacking and armed robbery yesterday.
The perpetrators are reportedly between the ages of 22 and 32.
At about 7.30am, a van transporting cigarettes to Dundee was intercepted by a white Mercedes Benz occupied by the suspects.
According to police, the suspects forced the driver out of the vehicle at gunpoint, and sped off with the van.
“The suspects drove off towards Koppiallen area near Dannhauser, where they off-loaded the boxes into their getaway vehicle,” said Major Thulani Zwane.
A case was later opened at the Dannhauser Police Station. Officers gathered the necessary information and managed to track the suspects down in oSizweni.
“They caught the suspects red-handed while off-loading cigarette boxes,” explained Major Zwane. “Police tactically gained entry to the premises and arrested them.”
Cigarettes to the value of about R680 000 was recovered.
“[The] company vehicle was found abandoned at Koppiallen area,” concluded Major Zwane.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, commended officers for the swift arrest and recovery of the stolen goods.
“The speedy reaction of our members shows commitment and dedication to their work. Our detectives will carefully investigate this case and ensure that suspects are sent to jail for a long time,” she concluded.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance before the Madadeni Magistrate’s Court in due course.
