PORT ELIZABETH - 4 FAKE TRAFFIC COPS HIJACK TRUCK OUTSIDE THORNHILL

Police have launched a manhunt for at least four ‘bogus’ traffic officers in uniform following a hijacking of a courier service truck on N2 route outside Thornhill today.

On Wednesday, 06 February 2019 around 07:00am, a 35-year-old driver of a courier service truck alleged that he was driving on the N2 route from George on the way to Port Elizabeth with his assistant.  He further said that while he was driving, approaching Hankey and Thornhill turn-off, he noticed two white motor vehicles, a Volkswagen Polo and a Ford Ikon allegedly branded with traffic insignia parked near the roadside.

Two of the “officers” dressed in official traffic uniforms signalled for him to pull off the road.  He further said that one of the “officers” approached the truck in what seemed to be a normal routine check and demanded for a driving licence.  While that was happening, a “traffic officer” pulled out a firearm and demanded that both the driver and his assistant get out of the truck.  The suspects then ushered the two victims at gunpoint into the back of the Ford Ikon and wh
ile inside the vehicle they were told to keep their heads down. 

Two suspects in traffic uniform drove off with them (victims) in the Ford Ikon.  It is said that the two suspects drove them to a bushy area near Motherwell, where they were tied up with cable ties.  The suspects waited for about 20 minutes with the victims, before they sped off in the Ford Ikon leaving the victims behind.

The victims managed to walk to the nearest road, where they flagged down a passing motorist. They were given a lift to Ikamvelihle Police Station in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth.  A short while later, police recovered a courier truck abandoned on the Rocklands Road with a backdoor open and with few boxes inside. At this stage, it is unclear what was stolen from the truck, but the two victims’ cellphones and wallets were stolen. 

Police are investigating a case of hijacking and the possibility of more charges cannot be rule out as investigation continues.  Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the successful arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Detective Lieutenant Colonel Willie Mayi at 082 697 5914 or to anonymously share information via Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

via - SAPS