Two suspects were caught red-handed after they allegedly hijacked a truck transporting R200 000 worth of alcohol yesterday.
It is alleged that the truck was forced off the N2 highway near the Van Staden’s Bridge at approximately 10:30 by four males in a white Ford Bantam-bakkie. Three of the suspects were armed and instructed the driver to pull over.
They got into the truck and shoved the 34-year-old driver and his passenger (32) behind the back seat.
According to police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, the tracker signal indicated that the truck was moving on the R75 near Springs in Uitenhage.
“Immediately the police Airwing pilot was airborne and within minutes the truck was spotted. The police Airwing assisted the Flying Squad members as to the direction of the moving truck,” she said.
“The suspects were busy offloading the liquor in the bushes when they were suddenly surprised by both the police chopper and the Flying Squad members. They abandoned the truck and started running in different directions. Two suspects, aged 27 and 48 years respectively, were apprehended by the Flying Squad members,” she added.
“A 9mm pistol with the serial number filed off, a jammer and the driver and passenger’s cell phones were recovered. All the crates of liquor were also recovered. Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage K9-members also provided back-up,” Naidu explained.
The suspects are detained on charges of truck-jacking, prohibited possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. They are expected to appear in court soon.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Thembisile Patekile, commended the teams for their sterling efforts and excellent synergy from the air and on the ground.
“The effective use of operational resources will definitely result in foiling many crimes. The police Airwing plays an integral role in providing air support to our members on the ground. The arrests and recovery are resultant of the teams’ quick response,” Patekile added.
Source: SAPS media statement
