WESTERN CAPE: The quick reaction of police resulted in the arrest of three suspects shortly after a truck was hijacked in Mbekweni. Yesterday at about 14:20, a meat delivery truck was hijacked in Mbekweni, Paarl by three unknown armed suspects who demanded money and cellular telephones from the workers. The suspects used a crowbar to remove a safe with cash from the truck, where after they fled the scene in a white VW Polo . The driver of the truck followed the suspects after the incident and saw police officers, who were patrolling the area, and alerted them by means of hand signals.
Whilst being pursued by the police, the suspects stopped their vehicle and fled on foot. Mbekweni Crime Prevention Unit members, with the assistance of Boland K9 Unit gave chase and managed to apprehend all three suspects. Two firearms which were used during the hijacking and the safe were seized. It was discovered that the vehicle used to commit the crime was reportedly hijacked in a Bishop Lavis case.
Three suspects aged between 28 and 41 were arrested for hijacking and possession of prohibited firearms, and are due to appear in the Paarl Magistrates court once they have been charged.
Submitted by: Sgt Dawood Suliman