Manhunt for cigarette hijacking gang
Police are searching for a heavily armed gang after they hijacked vehicles that transported cigarettes in Silverton on Tuesday.
Police have launched a manhunt for a gang of heavily armed men after they hijacked two vehicles that were transporting cigarettes in Silverton on Tuesday morning.
Police spokesperson Captain Jan Sepato said three VW vehicles were driving in a convoy about to cross an intersection where the traffic lights were not working.
“They were about to pass Bush Street when the first vehicle managed to cross the intersection. As the second vehicle was about to proceed, a silver/grey Audi Q5 emerged. Two heavily armed men jumped out and accosted the driver,” said Sepato.
He said the armed men pointed their guns at the driver and his passenger, ordering them out of the car.
“The suspects loaded the two men into the Q5.”
The occupants of the third vehicle then noticed the hijacking and also jumped out of the car.
“The two suspects grabbed one of the occupants and also loaded them into the Q5.”
He said the second occupant was still on foot when he was approached by a black BMW.
“The suspects in the BMW took the second occupant into their vehicle. The two suspects then jumped into the cigarette vehicles.”
As they were fleeing the scene, the hijackers came across a Fidelity vehicle that was escorting the three cigarette vehicles.
“The suspects opened fire at the security officers. Two officers were shot and wounded and taken to hospital,” said Sepato.
One of the two cigarette vehicles was left at the scene. The gang fled with the other vehicle.
“We recovered both vehicles. One was found at the scene while the other was recovered in Nellmapius, Mamelodi.”
Residents were encouraged to report any information regarding the armed men.
“We appeal to the public to please come forward to assist us in this case. Anyone with information on the suspects can call Silverton police on 012 804 8181.”
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Security officers shot during attempted hijacking
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