Transporters of valuable items are currently under siege countrywide. Truck and courier drivers have joined their cash-in-transit colleagues among South Africa’s most vulnerable professionals.
Authorities are striking back as police have reported the arrest of three suspects in connection with courier and truck thefts on 24 November. West Rand K9 unit identified a Volkswagen Polo with three occupants that were reported to be involved in the commission of the relevant crimes. The alleged thieves resisted arrest, fleeing from police while opening fire on the officers.
The police returned fire and after a brief shootout, the suspects were intercepted on Main Reef Road as they headed towards Johannesburg. “The vehicle was subsequently searched and items, believed to have been stolen from the hijacked truck, were recovered in the vehicle. The three suspects, aged 34, 39 and 45, were then arrested,” confirmed Provincial Police spokesperson, Captain Kay Makhubela.
The suspects were also found in possession of two unlicensed firearms which will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they are linked to other crimes. The suspects will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court, and Captain Makhubela indicated that, “At the moment, the suspects are facing a charge of truck hijacking and possession of unlicensed firearms”.
