A swift response by police in Tonga has resulted in the recovery of a hijacked truck in less than 40 minutes after it was hijacked at Kamhlushwa near Tonga, yesterday 16 October 2023.
According to information the truck was travelling from Mbombela to Kamhlushwa when it was reportedly hijacked at around 10:00. The truck driver and his crew alleged that a silver Toyota Etios overtook them then stopped right in front of the truck, obstructing them from driving further.
Suddenly two armed men alighted from the Toyota Etios and immediately attacked the driver. They allegedly pointed him with a firearm and instructed him to get off the truck. The two victims alighted, leaving behind their cellphones inside the truck. The suspects are said to have fled the scene with the truck.
The victims managed to get assistance from a good Samaritan who borrowed them a mobile phone to contact the Police.
A hijacking case was opened at Kamhlushwa SAPS and police immediately cascaded the message to nearby stations.
Tonga SAPS members responded swiftly and blocked all possible escape routes. It was during this time when Tonga SAPS members spotted the truck driving at a high speed in Tonga. The truck was followed and when the suspects realised that they were being pursuit, they stopped the truck, alighted then took on foot before disappearing into nearby bushes.
Both the truck as well as the luggage estimated at about R2 Million were recovered.
Further investigation has since revealed that the truck was destined for Kamhlushwa and Malelane respectively.
Police urge anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Detective Warrant Officer Moses Mbambo on 082 389 8112 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively community members can send information via MYyAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential.
The SAPS in Mpumalanga has appreciated the effort made by members in the recovery of the truck.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=49029.
