The incident happened on Sunday, May 11 where a 29 year old man came to report the incident to the community service centre.
He alleged that a he was stopped while he was driving on the eMalahleni and Ga-Nala Road and was accused of driving with his lights on in bright mode and ended up with suspects taking his car keys from the ignition and then left. They told the 29 year old that they were going to report the matter to the police.
The 29 year old continued to elaborate that he left members of his family in the car to safeguard it, while he made his way to the police station.
Once he got to the police station he spoke to the police and they drove him to his vehicle and family.
While they waited for the spare keys to arrive from a friend, the police were patrolling the area and noticed a car being towed by a white Jeep with the same pick –up.
The police stopped them and investigated and the owner of the Jeep was nowhere to be found and the suspects allegedly could not give the police a clear answer regarding the vehicle.
As the police further searched the vehicle, they found a 9mm pistol and ammunition in their possession; but they failed to produce a firearm licence.
The police arrested the three suspects for car hijacking and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Later the owner was found assaulted as he was hijacked and he identified his vehicle. All three men between the ages of 19 and 30 years old were arrested and appeared in Kriel Magistrates Court on Tuesday, May 13.
Police would like to warn motorists while driving at night or day to be vigilant as they have received reports of people being hijacked by criminals that are pretending to be police and traffic officers using blue lights, flashing lights stop unsuspecting motorists.
They were allegedly also wearing reflectors around the area. Motorists shouldn’t stop in strange places as it might also pose a treat to them and always immediately report any suspicious criminal activities taking place to the police.
Police have arrested 11 suspects between May 6 and May 13 for cases such as theft, possession of copper cable, assault with grievous bodily harm, rape, dealing in explosives, hijacking and possession of unlicensed firearm.
Report an emergency number 08600 10111 or Kriel SAPS.
