PARKTOWN – The concerted efforts of the South African Police Service in Gauteng to bring down the volumes of serious and violent crimes such as car and truck hijackings, have this time around resulted in the apprehension of three suspected hijackers and courier-van robbers on Tuesday afternoon, 30 March 2021 in Vereeniging.

A joint intelligence-driven operation led by the provincial Serious and Violent Crime team that is investigating the spate of hijackings and courier-van robberies in Gauteng, was conducted after the team operationalised information received on possible suspects.

Information led the team towards Vereeniging where they spotted and followed the suspects’ vehicle. A shootout ensued as police intercepted the suspects who were then cornered and arrested.

No injuries were reported.

Three unlicensed firearms were recovered on the scene while police seized the suspects’ vehicle that has since been confirmed hijacked as per a case reported at Moffatview SAPS in January 2021.

The three suspects aged 33, 31 and 30 will be profiled to establish a linkage to reported cases of hijackings and courier-van robberies, while the recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing as part of the investigations that are currently underway. Their court appearance on charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and hijacked vehicle, as well as reckless and negligent driving, is yet to be determined.

Communities are urged to continue to collaborate with the police by giving tip-offs on suspicious activities and persons in their neighbourhoods. Members of the public are encouraged to formally register with the SAPS as informants, or alternatively give information anonymously via the SAPS crime stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone.

Source: South African Police Service