Two male suspects were arrested after a truck with a consignment of cigarettes valued at approximately R4 million, was hijacked near Warrenton.
The hijacked truck was also recovered, the occupants of the truck rescued, and the vehicle utilised in the commission of the crime was seized.
This happened after a cross provincial collaboration between police stations and units in the North West and the Northern Cape, said Brig. Mashay Gamieldien, police spokesperson.
Gamieldien said on Wednesday, 13 September, a five ton Isuzu truck, belonging to a company in Lenasia in Johannesburg South, was allegedly traveling on the N12 en route to Kimberley transporting a consignment of cigarettes valued at approximately R4 million.
It is believed that a grey Toyota Corolla intercepted the truck near Warrenton and five armed male occupants assaulted the driver, his crew, and two other passengers.
The suspects also demanded information about the tracking devices, and then drove off with the truck and its cargo in the direction of Hartswater and Taung where they apparently offloaded the consignment of cigarettes in the veld.
The drivier and his passengers were then locked up in the back of the truck where it was hidden in the bushes near the Kolong River area in the vicinity of Manthe Village.
Gamieldien said an intelligence-driven operation was launched and the truck was located with the assistance of police members from Hartswater, detectives, and the Crime Intelligence and Hartswater K9 unit.
A look-out was posted for the grey Toyota Corolla which was spotted by members of the police from Taung, who stopped and searched the vehicle. Cash and other valuables were found inside the vehicle.
By the weekend the other three suspects were still not found, as well as the consignment of cigarettes.
Information indicates that these three suspects are armed and deemed dangerous, and should not be approached.
The two arrested suspects will soon appear in court on charges of truck hijacking and kidnapping, while additional charges may be added.
- In another unrelated police success, a high-density operation was launched by police members of De Aar Public Order Police (POP), provincial Murder and Robbery, and the Douglas Neighbourhood Watch in Breipaal at Douglas.
During this operation on Friday, 15 September, and Saturday, 16 September, three suspects aged 22, 23, and 37 years were arrested for dealing in drugs and kidnapping.
Crystal meth and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime, were also confiscated.
The three suspects will appear in the Douglas Magistrates’ court on Monday, 18 September, said Sgt Molefi Shemane, police spokesperson.
