Quick Police Response Leads To Recovery Of Stolen Vehicle And Firearms
In a remarkable display of efficiency and collaboration, members of the SAPS Middleburg Flying Squad and their counterparts in Benoni swiftly recovered a hijacked Ford Ranger vehicle, two stolen firearms with ammunition, and a stolen mobile phone. The incident unfolded on Wednesday morning in Delmas, Mpumalanga when a vehicle was hijacked from its owner.
The victim, a resident of Witbank, was attacked by three alleged hijackers, two of whom were armed with firearms. The perpetrators made off with the victim’s white double cab Ford Ranger and his mobile phone. However, the victim wasted no time and immediately alerted a tracking company and his friends, who promptly informed the police.
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Upon receiving the alert, members of the SAPS Flying Squad from Middleburg, Mpumalanga, and Benoni, Gauteng, sprang into action. They diligently scoured the area for any trace of the stolen vehicle and the suspects involved. Their tireless efforts paid off when they spotted the hijacked car on the R42 Road towards Bronkhorstspruit, just 21 minutes after the initial incident occurred.
Without hesitation, the police pulled over the vehicle and apprehended the three suspects. During a subsequent search, the officers discovered two firearms with ammunition in the possession of the alleged hijackers. To their surprise, the firearms were reported stolen in KwaDukuza and Meyerton in previous years, raising suspicions that these weapons may have been used in other crimes.
In addition to the firearms, the police also found a 16-channel jamming device and a mobile phone, which they believe belongs to the victim. These items will serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The three suspects, aged between 28 and 37, were arrested and charged with several offences, including possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, possession of suspected stolen properties, and possibly hijacking and robbery.
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Of the three, one suspect is a Mozambican national without valid documentation to be in the country. The investigators are currently collaborating with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to establish his immigration status.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, expressed her admiration for the successful joint operation conducted by the SAPS units. This incident highlights the importance of swift and coordinated action in combating crime, ensuring the safety and security of our communities.
