Neighbours block gate to save an almost hijacked bakkie in Siyanqoba
Witbank SAPS warns community members against taking matters into their own hands, as that could lead to serious consequences.
Community members in Siyanqoba acted swiftly to help a resident who almost got his bakkie hijacked, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
According to the police, a man reported that he had just arrived at his home in Siyanqoba around 22:00 on July 27 when the incident transpired.
He said he parked his bakkie inside the garage, leaving it idling with a child inside while he went to close the gate.
While at the gate, four armed men reportedly attacked him, pointing their firearms at him and demanding his cell phone.
READ MORE: Jackaroo Park shop owner murdered in armed robbery
He said one of the men accessed his banking app but was disappointed to find no funds to transfer.
Another man then proceeded to the garage and entered the vehicle; however, before he could succeed in leaving the premises, neighbours arrived and blocked it at the gate, preventing it from leaving.
The suspect’s three partners fled the scene on foot, leaving him stuck inside the bakkie.
The community apprehended the man and allegedly assaulted him until he was rescued by the police who responded to the scene.
Upon searching him, the police reportedly found an unlicensed firearm in his possession.
The police then arrested him and opened a case of attempted carjacking and another one of possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Warrant Officer David Ratau from Witbank SAPS urges community members to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
“The community is allowed to conduct a citizen’s arrest, but must then call the police immediately and not assault suspects because that on its own is another crime,” he said.
A shop owner died after being shot during an armed business robbery in Jackaroo Park.
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) July 28, 2026
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