A truck hijacking suspect, aged 45, is expected to appear at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday 22 January 2024, after being arrested whilst trying to flee. Thanks to Standerton SAPS and Kasselman Security for the job well done as they cornered him.
The Police and other law enforcement agencies have not only considered the challenge of vehicle theft and hijacking but developed some strategies in order to curb this challenge which put a strain also into the economy of this country, especially whereby delivery vehicles are targeted by criminals.
The arrest of the male suspect in the evening of Thursday 19 January 2024, in Standerton. is one example which bears witness of the determination by the Police and other law enforcement agencies to battle hijacking as well as theft of motor vehicles.
Since the beginning of the year 2024, more than twenty vehicles have already been recovered across the province of Mpumalanga and according to a report on this incident, a truck driver was heading towards Standerton, transporting Soya. It is said that whilst driving, he noticed a white Sedan in front with three male occupants inside. This private vehicle was driving at a slower pace which forced the truck to also drive slow.
It is further indicated that it was during this period when two occupants from the sedan who appeared to have been armed, forced their way into the truck and held him hostage then tied his hands and feet as well as covered his head. The suspects reportedly forced him into the back of the truck.
During this incident the truck driver received a call, however, he was ordered by his assailants to somehow convince whoever was calling that everything was under control.
The suspects then drove with the victim for about 18 kilometres towards Standerton CBD. Along the way, the driver was left in the bushes after being robbed of his mobile phone.
Later, the truck owners became aware, through their partners that there was something sinister happening to the truck and its driver. That was when law enforcement agencies were alerted. The truck was spotted being driven by a suspect in one of the streets in Standerton around 18:30.
Efforts were made by the men and women in blue in partnership with the security guards to stop the truck but their order was not considered as the suspect who was driving proceeded then bumped into the back of the vehicle belonging to the Security, which resulted in the truck overturning.
The suspect was then arrested and the man was reportedly found with a toy gun in his possession which is believed to have been used in the truck hijacking.
The suspect is facing a charge of possession of suspected hijacked truck and more charges could be added against him as the investigation continues.
The truck driver (victim) managed to walk until after midnight on Friday, 19 January 2024, where he got help and eventually reported the matter to the law enforcement agencies.
Preliminary investigation thus far revealed that the truck was reportedly hijacked at Vrede in the Free State Province then recovered in Standerton with an addition of a suspect apprehended.
Police are still in pursuit for the remaining suspects who were involved and members of the public are urged to assist with any information that may lead to their arrest by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the partnership displayed by the Police and the Security Personnel which yielded desired results where the truck was recovered and one suspect arrested.
