Standerton Police and KSS combine forces to arrest suspected hijacker
Two occupants from the sedan, allegedly armed, then forced their way into the truck and held him hostage
A suspected truck hijacker (45) was expected to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on January 22.
He was arrested on January 19, while attempting to flee from Standerton SAPS and Kasselman Security Services.
According to a statement from the provincial commissioner, police and other law enforcement agencies have not only considered the challenge of vehicle theft and hijacking but also developed strategies to curb this challenge, which puts a strain on the economy of this country, especially when criminals target delivery vehicles.
The arrest in Standerton is one example which bears witness to the determination by police and other law enforcement agencies to battle the hijacking and theft of motor vehicles.
According to the statement, more than 20 vehicles have been recovered in Mpumalanga since the beginning of the year. The police report states the truck driver was heading towards Standerton, transporting soya.
While driving, he noticed a white sedan with three men in front of him on the road. They were driving at a slower pace, which forced him to drive slower.
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Two occupants from the sedan, allegedly armed, then forced their way into the truck and held him hostage.
They tied the driver’s hands and feet, covered his head and allegedly forced him into the back of the truck.
The truck driver then received a call but was ordered by the hijackers to convince the caller that everything was under control.
The suspects then drove with the victim for about 18km towards Standerton CBD. They left the driver in the bushes after being robbed of his cellphone.
The truck owners later became aware, through their partners, that something sinister happened and alerted law enforcement agencies.
The truck was spotted being driven by a suspect in Standerton about 18:30. Efforts were made to stop the truck, as the driver bumped into the back of a vehicle belonging to the security.
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The truck overturned. The suspect was reportedly found with a toy gun in his possession, believed to have been used in the truck hijacking.
He is facing a charge of possession of a suspected hijacked truck and more charges could be added against him as the investigation continues.
The truck driver managed to walk until after midnight on January 19, to get help. He reported the matter to the law enforcement agencies.
Preliminary investigation revealed the truck was hijacked in Vrede in the Free State, and recovered in Standerton with an addition of a suspect apprehended.
Police are still in pursuit of the other suspects involved and members of the public are urged to assist with information that may lead to their arrest by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or sending information via MySAPS mobile app.
All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Mpumalanga police commissioner, appreciated the partnership displayed by police and security personnel.
