GQEBERHA - 3 SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER COMMERCIAL ROAD HIJACKING, KIDNAPPING AND EXTORTION DRAMA

Excellent teamwork between SAPS Kabega Park Crime Prevention members, Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) and Anti-Gang Unit members resulted in the arrest of three suspects who allegedly hijacked a driver (age unknown) in Commercial Road yesterday morning, 3 June 2021.

It is alleged that at about 10:00, the driver was forced to stop his panel van by armed occupants in a blue VW Polo. Three males got out and jumped into the complainant’s vehicle and drove off to an unknown location. He was then transferred to the VW Polo. A substantial amount of money and the stock was taken from the vehicle. 

The complainant’s employer was contacted and a ransom was demanded for the driver’s safety. The employer contacted the Station Commander of SAPS Kabega Park, Colonel Tony Nomdoe who immediately operationalised the information.

A sting operation was conducted by the team and the suspect met the complainant at a mall in Algoa Park where the exchange took place. 

As the suspect got into a vehicle, Prov OCI detectives closed in on him. The suspect got out and jumped into another vehicle which was cornered by SAPS Kabega Park members.

Three suspects aged between 20-30 years old are detained on charges of vehicle hijacking, kidnapping and extortion. 

Investigation is still continuing. 

None of the stock or the stolen cash were recovered.  The vehicle was also recovered abandoned in Kwazakele.

Acting District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso applauded the excellent efforts of the members who immediately actioned the information received. ‘The effective coordination, accurate information and swift intervention is crucial when tactically deploying members and resources to situations such as this one. Police members must be operationally ready to act to any situation that may arise. All those involved in the successful arrests are commended for their rapid response,’ added Brig Kupiso. 

SAPS