Alleged Truck Hijacker Arrested

POTCHEFSTROOM – The attentive behaviour of Stilfontein K9 Unit members on patrol, led to the apprehension of a suspect, who is allegedly involved in truck hijackings.

Initial reports indicated that on Saturday afternoon, 28 September 2024, members saw that an Isuzu Truck was losing its cargo, which consisted of a variety of alcohol products. The Truck was driven in Davill Sreet in Walkerville, Klerksdorp. Members pulled the truck over, when the driver and passenger allegedly jumped out and ran away. Members caught the driver of the truck and seized two firearms, of which one was a toy gun. He was immediately arrested as he did not have a licence to possess a firearm. Upon further investigation, blood was found in the driver’s side of the truck and other police units were alerted.

Members of Potchefstroom Flying Squad found an injured man a short while later at a local hospital in Klerksdorp, who was shot in the upper body. It was alleged that an Uber driver, who noticed the injured man next to the road in Manzil Park, rushed him to the local hospital. Upon interviewing the man, he alleged that he was driving an Isuzu Truck on the R30 road between Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp, when he was allegedly stopped by suspects in two vehicles about 15 km from Ventersdorp. He tried to escape, but was shot and placed in the back of a vehicle and dropped-of later in Manzil Park.

The suspect, who is estimated to be in his 30’s, will appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, attempted murder and for being in possession of suspected stolen property.

Police investigations are continuing and linkages to more cases can’t be ruled out.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated members for their attentiveness and teamwork, which led to this success. He also commended the Uber diver for rescuing the injured truck driver and said police will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators face the full might of the law.

See attached photos of seized truck and firearm.