Mpumalanga Police warn truck drivers and motorists to be vigilant
The Mpumalanga police request that the community should be vigilant and avoid stopping next to the road for any reason especially in the red zone areas as indicated.
Hijacking and robbery incidents are prevalent, especially along the R548, R42 and N12-freeway near Delmas and on the N4 highway between Bronkhorstspruit and Emalahleni, as well as the Bethal-road near Middelburg.
Motorists, including truck drivers, are therefore cautioned to be extra careful.
According to the police in Mpumalanga, several incidents have recently been reported during which theft from and or out of motor vehicles, as well as robberies, took place.
According to a media statement released by the provincial commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieut-Gen Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, truck drivers reportedly indicated that they had stopped next to the road either to relieve themselves or to stretch their legs.
A group of suspects had emerged from the bushes, pointing firearms at them.
There were also incidents where hijackers informed the truck drivers that something was wrong with the trailers and as the driver then stopped, the suspects would pounce on them.
The suspects would apparently also cut the fuel pipes of the trucks in order to drain the diesel.
In those incidents, batteries, as well as cellphones, would be taken from their victims.
The Mpumalanga Police asked that the community be vigilant and avoid stopping next to the road for any reason, especially in the red zone areas as indicated.
“It is advisable to stop at a safe place rather than becoming the next victim of these robbers,” said Manamela.
The police stated that they are dealing with the situation and working hard to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.
In one such successful operation, three suspects, namely, Fortune Nzima (32), Tebogo Moshia (28) and Bonny Motsepe (28) were arrested for truck hijacking.
The incident occurred on Friday, March 18 in Middelburg.
“This is just one of many efforts by police to fight the scourge; however, the best would be to prevent such incidents from recurring if possible.”
In addition, police urged anyone with information that may assist in arresting suspects of these crimes to call 013-249 1600/1/2/4 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
Alternatively, the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP.
All information received will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Manamela reassured the public that no stone will be left unturned with regard to addressing this challenge.
“We want to encourage members of the public who have information, video footage or details on the whereabouts of these perpetrators that are directly hurting the country’s economy by targeting trucks which transport goods via our roads.
“People should not be dismayed, as we are turning the situation around in the affected areas,” said Manamela.
