GQEBERHA – Five men aged between 24 and 42 have been arrested following an alleged attempted courier hijacking in Motherwell.

The suspects face charges of attempted hijacking, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, Motherwell police members were on duty in the KwaZakhele and Motherwell areas on Tuesday, 13 October, when they received information about a shooting in Ncememe Street, Motherwell NU7.

Police responded to the scene and were informed that occupants of a white Mazda 323 had allegedly attempted to hijack a courier vehicle.

The suspects allegedly fired several shots at the courier vehicle as it drove away, leaving one passenger behind. The passenger was then robbed of a cellphone.

Police searched for the Mazda and later spotted it in Tyityaba Street, Motherwell.

Members pursued and stopped the vehicle, where they allegedly found two gas pistols and ammunition.

Five men were arrested in connection with the incident. Police also recovered the cellphone allegedly stolen from the passenger, while the vehicle was impounded.

All five suspects are expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court during the week.

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