LIMPOPO – The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has praised collaborative efforts between members of the Organized Crime Investigation Unit who collaborated with multidisciplinary forces in Gauteng and private security following a hijacking incident in Limpopo.

The teams followed up on valuable information which led to the arrest of three suspects following the hijacking of a truck transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on the R37 road near the Westenburg policing area.

The Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred last Tuesday (September 23) when three armed suspects accosted the truck driver and forced him at gunpoint to hand over the horse and trailer.

“One of the suspects drove away with the hijacked vehicle while the victim was bound and later dropped off on the roadside. He then alerted the police,” Ledwaba said.

An intensive investigation was launched and Ledwaba said valuable intelligence was gathered linking the suspects and their vehicles to the crime.

“Working closely with law enforcement in Gauteng, the team traced the suspects to Crosby and Mayfair in Johannesburg, where two men were arrested. A motor vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was seized, along with cash amounting to R20 000 suspected to be proceeds paid by the mastermind,” Ledwaba added.

The two suspects, identified as Goodman Moyo (31), a Zimbabwean national, and Ernest Walaba (28), a Malawian national, appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday (September 29) and were remanded in custody until October 7.

Ledwaba said a third suspect was traced and arrested on Monday at the Cussonia Complex in Meyersdal, Gauteng.

“During the arrest, he was found in possession of a pellet gun and subsequently led the police to the stolen trailer, which was recovered and seized. The suspect will soon appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court as well,” his statement read.

Hadebe commended the investigating team and all role players involved for their efforts in ensuring the perpetrators were brought to book.

“This success is a clear demonstration of the power of integrated policing and partnerships. We will continue to dismantle criminal syndicates that threaten the safety of our communities and the economy of the province,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

For more breaking news follow us on Facebook Twitter Instagram or join our WhatsApp group