Suspect nabbed after high speed chase, reportedly hijacked car recovered
A suspect (46) from Mozambique was arrested after a high-speed chase and thanks to law enforcement agencies in Delmas which led to his capture on Friday, 22 September 2023 around 12:55. A white Single Cab Mahindra bakkie which was reportedly hijacked at Westonaria (in Gauteng Province) was recovered during the arrest.
According to a report, on the said day, information was received regarding a new Mahindra bakkie which was stolen during a hijacking incident. Further details indicated that the vehicle, occupied by one person was in the Delmas policing precinct. As a result, the team consisting of Delmas SAPS members, Titen security, Bulldogs and Valke Neighborhood Watch as well as members from the farm watch community were on the lookout. It was during this period when they spotted the said vehicle on the R50 Road towards Leslie.
A high speed chase then ensued and the said car tried to manoeuvre through the gravel road near maizefields but all those efforts by the suspect could not work for him. It is also reported that there was a collision and shooting that took place though no injuries were reported. That will form part of the investigation.
The suspect was arrested and charged for possession of suspected hijacked vehicle and the vehicle was seized.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Delmas District’s Court on Monday, 26 September 2023 facing the said charges. Police cannot rule out the possibilities of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation continues, including the case in which the car was hijacked. Police are working in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain his status in the country. He could face a charge of contravention of Immigration Act of South Africa.
Preliminary investigations indicates that the vehicle was hijacked yesterday morning (Friday, 22 September 2023) around 09:30. The victim is said to have purchased the bakkie from the dealership in Westonaria few moments before the incident.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the reportedly hijacked vehicle.
Source: South African Police Service