A man arrested in connection with the recent string of hijackings at the Olifants River appeared before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court.

The suspect was apprehended by police on June 13, shortly after allegedly taking part in the latest attack on a worshiper who had gone to the river for prayer.
According to police reports, the man and his accomplice ambushed the victim, forcibly taking their car and other belongings.

While the accomplice allegedly fled the scene with the stolen vehicle, it is believed that the arrested man remained behind with the victim, demanding their bank card PIN.

After a series of phone calls with his partner, he eventually abandoned the victim tied up in the bushes, only to be caught by police shortly afterward.
Investigations following the arrest revealed that the suspect is allegedly linked to at least four other hijackings at the Olifants River, bringing the total number of reported cases since March to seven.

The incidents have primarily targeted individuals and families visiting the river for prayer and religious practices.

Captain Eddie Hall of the Witbank Police Station confirmed the breakthrough, stating: “Our investigations have confirmed that the suspect is connected to multiple hijackings that occurred at the same location over the past few months.”

The suspect remains in custody and will return to court on July 1. Meanwhile, police continue their efforts to locate the accomplice.

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