Two suspects, one injured, following a shoot-out with law enforcement were arrested for the hijacking, kidnapping and robbery of a truck driver on the N2 southbound. Picture: ET Rapid Response
Durban — Two suspects were arrested and charged with a string of crimes after they allegedly hijacked, kidnapped and robbed a truck before being involved in a shoot-out with law enforcement.
ET Rapid Response managing director Tony Lokker said that on Monday they received information about a courier truck that was hijacked along the N2 near Winklespruit, eManzimtoti.
Lokker said the suspects drove the hijacked truck to Illovo township, where the stock was offloaded into the suspects’ vehicles.
“Our ET tactical response team, together with the SAPS District Trio Tracing Team and RTI Winklespruit, mobilised and managed to intercept two vehicles used by the suspects. During this process of interception, a shoot-out ensued as suspects opened fire towards the members, and the members retaliated,” Lokker said.
“Two suspects were arrested, whereby one suspect sustained gunshot wounds. Two vehicles used in the commission of the crime, as well as stock from the truck, was recovered.”
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the arrests, saying eManzimtoti police arrested two suspects aged 27 and 35 following an incident where a 35-year-old truck driver was hijacked, kidnapped and robbed on Monday.
Netshiunda said the victim was reportedly driving on the N2 southbound before Winklespruit off-ramp when he was “jammed” by four armed men driving a white vehicle. The suspects jumped out of their vehicle, instructed him to follow their vehicle and drove towards the Winklespruit area, where they offloaded items out of the truck.
“The investigation by police together with other law enforcement agencies led to KwaMakhutha, where a shoot-out ensued. One suspect sustained a gunshot wound on the arm and the other was unharmed,” Netshiunda said.
“Both suspects were arrested and charged with carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, attempted murder and possession of suspected stolen property.”
Lokker thanked members of KwaMakhutha SAPS, SAPS Umzinto K9, Amanzimtoti SAPS and metro police for their quick response and assistance.
“Investigations are currently under way to trace and apprehend any outstanding suspects,” Lokker said.
“Well done to all role-players, and we are thankful that no members sustained any injuries during this ordeal.”
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