Teamwork and immediate follow up on information led to the successful arrest of five alleged hijacking suspects and the recovery of suspected stolen property, only a few days after the hijacking was reported.
It is alleged that on Friday 4 June 2021, at approximately 23:55 at NU 2, Motherwell the driver of a courier truck was on route to East London when he was forced to stop when a bakkie overtook him and stopped in front of him. He was confronted by five armed suspects who instructed him not to resist.
They drove the truck towards Swartkops River where they dropped the driver off.
A case of Hijacking was reported at SAPS Kwazakele. During the investigation members from Gqerberha Flying Squad were tasked to follow up on information.
On Wednesday 9 June 2021, at approximately 02:00 information led the members to Marine Drive, Summerstrand where they noticed four suspicious vehicles at the beach braai area. As the members approached the vehicles one Quantum minibus managed to speed away, however three vehicles, a Toyota corolla, Toyota Hilux and a Mazda 323 were blocked in.
The members managed to arrest five suspects aged between 32 and 47. During the searched of the vehicles the members recovered a cell phone signal jammer, a chrome licensed 9mm firearm with one magazine and ammunition and various types of medical supplies with an estimated value or R700 000.00.
All three vehicles were confiscated and impounded for further investigation. Although the suspects have been found in possession of the stolen goods, further investigation is still being conducted to establish possible links to the hijacking of the courier truck.
The suspects were charged for possession of suspected stolen property and will appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate Court on Friday 11 June 2021.
Acting District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso applauded the excellent efforts of the members who acted on the information received. “The effective coordination of accurate information and swift intervention were instrumental in the arrests and recovery of the stolen goods. All those involved are commended for the breakthrough and the step closer for SAPS to combat and prevent further hijackings in the city,” added Brig Kupiso.
