THREE men linked to cases of carjacking and possession of suspected stolen property appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on June 22.

The trio aged 29, 30 and 35 has been charged with the cases reported at Wentworth and Mayville police stations.

According to the police spokesperson from Wentworth, Captain Mbuso Gumede, the accused were arrested shortly after hijacking a vehicle in Mayville.

“Wentworth Crime Prevention were conducting patrols in Quality Street in Jacobs when members saw a delivery vehicle truck with three occupants speeding and driving recklessly. The police followed the vehicle. The members managed to stop the driver. The police officers then ordered the occupants to jump off the vehicle, and searched them,” said Gumede.

Upon conducting the search, police found an unlicensed firearm and ammunitions in possession of one of the accused.

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Carjacking victim helps police identify the suspects

While police were searching the accused, a Lamontville police patrol vehicle arrived at the scene, followed by a vehicle from Matrix Tracking.

According to police, officers were accompanied by a man who identified himself as the victim of the hijacking.

The man alleged that he had been hijacked at gunpoint in Mayville on the same day, where he was robbed of his belongings, cash and his vehicle.

The victim further alleged that the three men drove off with him in the vehicle before forcing him out along the M4 freeway.

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Police said the victim managed to flag down a Lamontville police patrol vehicle for assistance.

Officers then contacted Matrix Tracking, which assisted in tracing the location of the stolen vehicle and led police to the scene.

The three men were subsequently arrested and charged.

Wentworth police station welcomes the arrest

Acting station commander for Wentworth police station, Lieutenant Colonel Cheryl Pillay, commended the Crime Prevention members for their vigilance and swift response, which led to the arrests.

Pillay also thanked Lamontville members for assisting the victim, as well as Matrix Tracking and Dew-Force Security for their support in helping recover the vehicle and resolve the matter.

“The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, private security companies and community partners played an important role in ensuring a quick response to the incident,” said Pillay.

The accused remain in custody at Westville Prison and are expected to return to court as the matter proceeds.

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