Police are searching for a second suspect who was allegedly involved in a hijacking and kidnapping in Centurion on Friday evening, after a high-speed chase ended with the arrest of another suspect in Pretoria North.

According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the incident began at about 18:00 when police were conducting crime prevention operations following a tip off about the hijacking of an Omoda motor vehicle and the kidnapping of an Indian man and woman in Centurion.

The hijacked vehicle was later recovered after the suspects allegedly abandoned it in Atteridgeville.

“Officers then received further information that the two male suspects and the two victims were seen travelling in a black Audi near Block XX in Soshanguve, along the R80 Highway, heading south,” said Van Dyk.

He said police subsequently patrolled the Mabopane Highway, where they spotted a vehicle matching the description travelling at high speed, prompting officers to give chase.

“During the chase, the suspects turned left towards Pretoria North at the intersection of the R80 Highway and Askia Mphahlele Drive.”

As the vehicle approached the Areyeng Bus Station in Paul Kruger Street, the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned.

Van Dyk said the suspects allegedly fled from the vehicle while shots were exchanged between them and police.

“The victims also managed to escape from the vehicle and ran in the opposite direction, while the suspects fled towards buildings within the bus station premises.”

Police conducted an extensive search of the area, including the bus station offices, but were unable to locate the suspects.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, at about 01:35, security guards reportedly saw one of the suspects leaving one of the buildings and alerted police. Officers gave chase and managed to apprehend one of the suspects, a 47-year-old man.

A search of the suspect allegedly led to the discovery of a bag containing a black 7.5 calibre pistol with its serial number filed off, as well as a 9mm magazine containing live ammunition.

“Investigations are still ongoing to determine whether the suspect may be linked to other criminal activities, with the firearm handed in for forensic testing,” added Van Dyk.

The suspect is expected to face charges relating to the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a hijacked motor vehicle, hijacking and kidnapping.

He is expected to appear in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 24.

Van Dyk confirmed that police are still searching for the second suspect and are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

ALSO READ: Firefighters battle scrap metal blaze in Klerksoord

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel