BOTSHABELO – Four would-be vehicle hijackers arrested shortly after hijacking a victim’s Toyota Hilux bakkie Botshabelo, are expected to appear in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court today – Monday 28 September. Police reported that the incident occurred on Sunday 27 September at about 04:00, and that the victim (39) was stabbed with a broken beer bottle before the suspects drove off with his vehicle in Section C.

Sgt Sinah Mpakane, provincial spokesperson for the Free State police, said the suspects face charges of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, car hijacking, and attempted murder.

“The driver was stabbed and robbed of his white Toyota Hilux bakkie, valued at approximately R250 000,” she said.

Mpakane said police members arrested all four young men, aged between 18 and 23, following a tactical approach after prompt reaction to information received about the incident reported to the police in Botshabelo. She said information was shared with the Mangaung Metro District Operational Command Centre (DOCC) Crime Combating Unit. Mpakane said following a joint search operation with a car tracking company, the vehicle was recovered at about 07:23 in the town.

“Using GPS coordinates, the joint team tracked the vehicle to Section U, where it was spotted driving recklessly at high speed. Following a pursuit, the vehicle crashed into a private residence’s security fence and was brought to a halt. During the processing of the suspects, the complainant positively identified one of the 23-year-old suspects as the individual who hijacked him,” said Mpakane.

She said members recovered incriminating evidence from the vehicle.

“Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC) experts summoned to process the scene found bloodstains suspected to be those of both the victim and the suspect in the vehicle. A suspect’s cellphone and clothing were also found,” said Mpakane.

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