Foreign businessman hijacked, four men arrested in Thabong!

The Welkom Public Order Policing (POP) arrested four men in connection with a hijacking reported on Thursday morning, June 29th. All suspects will however, face more than just a hijacking charge!

According to the Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng, a foreign national businessman was hijacked at gun point while delivering grceries at one of his shops on Thursday morning, 29 June.

“Suspects hijacked a white Toyota Hilux bakkie with groceries and an undisclosed amount of cash inside.

On Friday morning, June 30th, the alleged hijackers contacted the complainant, instructing him to bring cash in exchange for his vehicle and groceries. However, the complainant never saw his vehicle again. This resulted in the addition of the second charge of extorsion.

On the same day, Welkom POP operationalised intel received by Crime Intelligence (CI) about the suspects’ whereabouts. As a result, the police identified a white Volkswagen Polo, tactically stopped it and requested to search occupants.

“The police found live 9mm ammunitions, large quantities of cash and the hijacked bakkie’s key,” informed Thakeng.

Following a thorough investigation, suspects took the police to where they kept the hijacked bakkie in Mshongoville Section, Thabong.

The 48-year-old owner of the house was arrested for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle.

Furthermore, houses of trio suspects aged 36, 37 and 39 were also searched. The police found the following: more cash notes and a pellet gun used in the hijacking.

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“All four suspects were arrested for hijacking, extortion, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle, unlicensed live ammunitions and cash amounting to R19 000,” Thakeng reported.

They will appear before the Welkom Magistrate Court on Monday, July 3rd.