A truck transporting Grand-Pa painkillers was hijacked in
the early hours of yesterday morning in the vicinity of Deal Party.
It is alleged that the truck was travelling on Old
Grahamstown Road in the direction of Deal Party at approximately 02:00 when the
incident occurred. When the truck approached the traffic circle on the corner of
Paterson and Old Grahamstown Road, a white bakkie with four suspects pulled up
in front of the truck, forcing the driver to stop.
According to police spokesperson, Capt. Sandra Janse van
Rensburg, three suspects approached the passenger side of the truck, broke the
window and forced the driver and passenger out of the vehicle. “They were
taken, tied up and placed in the back of the truck. The suspects drove off with
the truck and stopped after a while. Six pallets of Grand-Pa tablets were then offloaded,”
Janse van Rensburg explained. “The driver and passenger managed to untie
themselves after the suspects left. They were left abandoned with the truck
near the Cerebos salt pans,” she added.
A case of truck hijacking was opened after the truck driver alerted police just after 05:30 yesterday morning. The suspects are unknown and no
arrests have been made.
“Truck hijackings are concern and police are urging
businesses and trucking companies to install trackers in their vehicles and take
the necessary precautions in safeguarding their cargo,” Janse van Rensburg
added.
“Drivers are urged to always take note of their surroundings
especially when slowing down or being stationary at traffic lights. Their doors
must be locked at all times. If possible, never stop for any distractions while
on route to your destination.
“Trucks travelling late at night become easy targets as the
roads are quieter during this time. Police are also appealing to communities to report any suspicious
activity in their areas.”
Source: SAPS media statement
