Police search for suspects who target trucks in Bethal are
Police have launched a manhunt for suspects who set a truck alight, shot and wounded the driver and robbed the keys off two truck drivers in three separate incidents near Bethal yesterday, 3 May.
Brig Leonard Hlathi, spokesman for the police in Mpumalanga, said the first incident happened between Standerton and Morgenzon when a trucker parked his vessel on the side of the road to get some rest.
“Moments later, he heard a noise outside. He looked through the window and saw a man pouring petrol over the truck,” Brig Hlathi said.
The suspect set the truck alight, and then shot and wounded the driver as he tried to get out.
The culprit fled in a white vehicle.
Brig Hlathi said a case of malicious damage to property, as well as an additional charge of attempted murder, were opened.
The driver was taken to hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.
In another incident, three men in a white Toyota Hill stopped a 35-year-old truck driver after he left a his employer’s depot.
“One of the men approached him and demanded the truck’s keys.
“He complied with the instructions and handed over the keys. The suspects reportedly drove off with the keys and left the truck behind without causing any damage to it, ” Brig Hlathi said.
In another similar incident, a truck which was loaded with solar ash for delivery was allegedly hijacked on the N17 near Bethal yesterday morning.
Brig Hlathi said the truck was coming from Piet Retief when two suspects in a silver Volvo forced the driver to stop.
They demanded the keys which the trucker handed. They then drove off with the keys leaving him with the truck.
Anyone with information that can help police trace the suspects, is urged to contact the investigating officer on all these cases, Capt Jungle Mokoena at 082 579 0177 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP.
All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
