VEREENIGING. –  The incident happened on Tuesday, after police clamped down on  suspects who had hijacked a  truck carrying a cargo  of cigarettes  at Kroon Plaza around 09:00 in the morning.

Police spokesperson Captain Fikile Funda says, ” Police were alerted by the tacker unit about the incident. They were further given the direction of the truck which was now on the R59 headed to East London.

“Sasolburg Dog Unit, National Intelligence Unit, Vanderbijlpark Task Team, Vereeniging Crime Prevention, Viljoensdrift Detective and Task Team gave back up and apprehended the suspects who were now on the R59 next to Ascot on Vaal.  A shoot out ensued and police cornered suspects. “

Funda stated that the injured suspect is in hospital under police guard. “The driver of the truck was found at the back seat of the truck fastened with cable ties.

“The cigarettes worth an undisclosed amount were recovered. Suspects will be charged with hijacking, possession of a hijacked vehicle and attempted murder.”