NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vowed to continue intensifying her efforts in tackling hijackings, especially in areas where it is a real problem. Her efforts were seen after two suspects, aged 24 and 27 were arrested respectively in Delmas where they are expected to appear in court soon. Two trucks as well as a Toyota double cab GD 6 bakkie were recovered by the astute members in the same area of Delmas.

It is said that on 03 February 2022 at about 19h45 the victim was loading soya at Ceoco Central in Delmas with Freightliner truck as well as two trailors. As he was driving out, he was approached by several vehicles blocking the road. Three armed males approached him and forced him in the back of the truck and covered his head. The suspects drove around with him. Later he was forced into a white minibus. At some stage they placed him at a certain house and kept him there. During that time, a good Samaritan informed Police of a truck that was hijacked. The information was followed up and the truck was located at Delmas Sarel Celliers Street. The suspect was located and arrested whilst walking away from the truck. The truck was loaded with soya. Police are still looking for other suspects.

It is further reported that on 04 February 2022 at about 17h00 the driver of a truck which was loaded with soya with two trailers was cornered after being stopped by two suspects driving in a white VW Golf 7 at Botleng Mall in Delmas. The victim was forced at the back of the truck and his head was covered with an overall. The suspects drove around with him and taken to the bush and left there.

The truck and trailers were later recovered whilst the soya to the value of about R 260 000-00 which was loaded in the truck was stolen by the suspects.

Meanwhile on 04 February 2022 at about 22h56 a lookout was given for a white Toyota double cab GD6 bakkie which was hijacked in Vosman. At 23h22, Highway patrol members from Middelburg spotted the vehicle on the N12 between the R42 and R50 off ramps towards Johannesburg. The members called for back-up from Delmas members. The vehicle was recovered and one suspect was arrested. Police also recovered a jamming device.

On the same day 04 February 2022 at 23h29 tracker contacted Delmas SAPS regarding a white BMW indicating that the said vehicle was taken during a house robbery in Clayville near Johannesburg. Delmas SAPS together with officials from a tracker company patrolled on the R50 road where the last signal was picked. The White BMW was later recovered next to the road and the suspects were nowhere to be found. Police are still in search of the suspects.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded members for the arrest of the suspects as well as the recovery of the two trucks and two vehicles. “We thank the members for their hard work which shows that we mean business when fighting crime and their efforts payed off at the end” said the General.

Police calls on any anyone with information that can assist in apprehending the suspects to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111. Members of the public can also send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service