Photo: SAPS
Hijacking suspect dies after rolling vehicle while being pursued by police [PICS]
A hijacking suspect was killed in an accident after he lost control of a double cab bakkie while being chased from Mpumalanga to Gauteng.
Photo: SAPS
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and two private security companies – Tracker Connect and Blue Hawk Tactical – chased several hijacking suspects on Tuesday night, 12 October. One of the suspects lost control of their vehicle and died in a car crash, while the others were arrested after a shootout with security guards.
ALLEGED HIJACKER ROLLS VEHICLE
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhuli said Tracker Connect members spotted two suspicious vehicles – a white Toyota double cab bakkie and a white BMW sedan – that were speeding along the N12 near the Kusile off-ramp in Mpumalanga.
The Tracker members called for backup and Blue Hawk and SAPS officers responded and a high-speed chase ensued.
“The Toyota bakkie with one suspect, aged 27 reportedly took a turn off on the R42 towards Delmas and it is said that the vehicle lost control at a certain four-way crossing and rolled over, as a result, the driver died in the accident,” said Mdhuli.
The police spokesperson added that a pistol and vehicle jamming device were found at the scene of the accident.
CHASE CONTINUES
The remaining suspects continued to speed down the N12 while being followed by security officers. The police said gunfire was exchanged between the pair of suspects and security officers – one of the suspects reportedly sustained injuries to their lower body.
“The two suspects were then apparently arrested when they were forced to halt at Welbekend (Gauteng Province) where the second pistol was found as well in possession of the suspects,” said Mdhuli.
In a twist, the owner of the white bakkie was found unharmed inside the BMW. The victim said he was hijacked at Vosman while driving home. Meanwhile, preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the BMW was hijacked in June 2021 in Vosloorus, Gauteng.
The police said the seized firearms would be examined as part of their investigation, and that the two suspects may be linked to further hijacking incidents.
The injured suspect was taken to hospital for treatment under police guard. The two suspects – aged 29 and 34 – are expected to appear before the court imminently.
