Resolute efforts by SAPS Uitenhage K9 officers to effectively address trio crimes in Gqeberha paid off on the night of Thursday 19 May 2022, when vigilant Uitenhage K9 Unit members arrested four alleged hijackers.
According to information, Uitenhage K9 Unit members were busy with patrols in Rhalo Street, KwaMagxaki when they spotted a white Ford Ikon. Members followed the vehicle and kept close observation while testing the registration number as they believed that the vehicle might have been hijacked earlier the same evening in New Brighton.
Members followed the vehicle as it pulled up at a fueling station in Mooda Street, KwaMagxaki. Confirmation was received from Gqeberha 10111 Centre that the vehicle was indeed hijacked at 17:05 in Kwaza Street, New Brighton and the members tactically approached the vehicle.
Four male occupants aged between 18 and 29 were arrested on the spot and detained on a charge of hijacking.
It is reported that the complainant, a 47-year-old female and her two children were travelling at 17:05 with their Ford Ikon in Kwaza Street, searching for a specific house, when she was approached by unknown males. One of the males forcefully opened her driver’s door and ordered her and her children to get out of the vehicle.
The suspects also threatened the complainant and assaulted her as she was hesitant to get out of the vehicle. The suspects then took her keys and drove off with the vehicle. A case of hijacking was opened at SAPS New Brighton soon afterwards.
Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Identification Unit (VCIU) are investigating a case of hijacking. The possibility that the suspects might be linked to other serious crimes in the Nelson Mandela Bay are currently under investigation.
The four suspects are due to appear in the New Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 May 2022 on the said charge.
