SEBOKENG: The Sebokeng police are investigating cases of hijacking, armed robbery, kidnapping and attempted murder after suspects robbed a courier bakkie on Friday.

It is said that the courier driver was in the Sebokeng area (Zone 17) together with his crew to deliver parcels when they were approached by two men, one was armed with a pistol.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane, said that one suspect went to the driver’s side while the other went to the passenger’s side. The suspects forcefully entered the bakkie, forcing both the driver and his crew to sit in between.

One of the suspects drove the courier bakkie for a few metres where the crew was ordered to alight and the suspects further drove off with the driver.

“Upon stopping a few meters, the courier driver was ordered to open the back of the bakkie while both suspects rushed to the back, leaving the courier driver on the front and they tried to force open the canopy utilizing an unknown object to access parcels that were securely stored. They therefore managed to steal some items that were packed near the canopy cage.”

Mokhachane adds that a few minutes later, the courier driver heard a vehicle approaching and as he observed on the side mirror, he saw the suspects drive away and they left him with his courier bakkie.

“An off-duty Traffic Police Official saw the unusual activity and placed himself on duty upon noticing the incident and he acted swiftly. It is alleged he saw two vehicles headed to the courier bakkie and he could see that there was something suspicious taking place. He therefore rushed to his private vehicle and pursued the suspects, when one of the suspects’ vehicles fired several shots at him, he returned fire then the driver stopped at zone 14 Sebokeng near the Community Hall and as they alighted, he noticed that one of the suspects was bleeding.”

The two were arrested on the scene while the other vehicle fled during the chase.

Mokhachane said that one suspect was injured during the shootout and taken to the hospital for medical attention, both suspects are detained and under police guard. They will soon appear before the court of law facing charges of the crimes they committed.

“It is suspected that the duo may be linked with the robberies that have been committed in the Sedibeng District precinct and the police are working tirelessly to trace other suspects who got away.”

The Station Commander of Sebokeng SAPS, Brigadier Thembekile Kubone commended the traffic official for his rapid response in assessing the situation and the community for their collaborative efforts in assisting the official. She further extended her gratitude to all the Stakeholders who responded swiftly to assist the Traffic official, SAPS members (Sedibeng District Essential Infrastructure Task Team, Roving Team, LCRC, Sebokeng SAPS Team), EMS, Gauteng Traffic Airwing, and the Community members for enhancing efficiency.

Any person who may have information about the incident can contact Sebokeng SAPS on, 016 466 2047, 082 498 9563, 112, 10111, 08600 10111 or alternatively via MySAPS.