Eastern Cape police have arrested four men in connection with a robbery involving a courier bakkie on Route R335 in Addo and recovered stolen cargo valued at R150 000 on Wednesday, February 5.
According to police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, at about 09:20, a courier bakkie was instructed off the R335 by four armed men, who were traveling in a silver-grey VW Polo.
Nkohli added that two of the suspects got into the bakkie and shoved the driver to the passenger side.
“One of the suspects took over the steering wheel and drove it for a short while before stopping at a secluded spot, where they loaded most of the cargo into the Polo.
“The four men sped off in the Polo, leaving the victim stranded.
“The victim alerted a passing motorist, who then summoned the police.
“The description of the getaway vehicle was communicated to all police communication channels, including local private security companies,” Nkohli stated.
Nkohli reported that at 09:20, the getaway vehicle was spotted a few kilometers away, and police, with the assistance of an armed response vehicle from a local private security company, managed to corner it.
He further stated, “The suspects, aged between 27 and 39, were detained on charges of carjacking, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of stolen property.”
“They are expected to appear in Kirkwood Magistrate’s Court on the said charges and with the possibility of additional charges at a later stage of the investigation,” he concluded.
Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka, commended the teams for their sterling efforts and excellent coordination with other partners.
“This was an excellent example of the effective use of operational resources by everyone involved.
“Delivery drivers must remain alert to their surroundings at all times,” added Xawuka.
