police hijackers KZN DA woman

Police have swooped on a gang of seven courier van hijackers. Photo: Pixabay

Woman outwitted her hijackers – one suspect was killed after being assaulted by angry community

When the hijackers allowed the 21-year-old woman to use the bathroom at a petrol station she drew the attention of community members.

police hijackers KZN DA woman

Police have swooped on a gang of seven courier van hijackers. Photo: Pixabay

A 21-year-old woman outwitted her alleged hijackers in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga on Wednesday, 9 November. She reportedly told the suspects she needed to use the bathroom after they drew a gun on her.

WOMAN ALERTS COMMUNITY

“It is alleged that three suspects who were driving in a Nissan NP200 bumped into a Toyota Fortuner from the back. This was the suspects’ modus operandi as they allegedly faked the accident in order to gain her attention and be in a position to hijack her,” said Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.

The occupants of both vehicles stopped to check the damage caused by the collision and then agreed to go to a nearby police station.

Two of the suspects got into the woman’s vehicle as they pretended not to trust her. Along the way, the men pointed a gun at her and told her to change direction.

“The woman had to think quickly and upon noticing a filling station ahead, she pleaded with them to allow her to use a bathroom and the alleged hijackers gave her permission,” said Mohlala.

As soon as she exited the vehicle, the woman alerted the community members around them. One suspect immediately jumped from the vehicle and tried to flee from the incensed community members while the other leapt into the driver’s seat and sped off.

The suspect who attempted to run away on foot was cornered and assaulted before the police were notified. The police found an unlicensed firearm in his possession and he was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

SUSPECT BEATEN TO DEATH

“Police and community members mobilised and started looking for the hijacked vehicle. Information surfaced that it was heading towards Bapsfontein. Community members in the area spotted and intercepted it and they managed to take it from the alleged hijacker,” said the police spokesperson.

The alleged hijacker was assaulted by community members during his capture. The police arrived and rescued him. He succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

Elsewhere, the bakkie used in the alleged hijacking was spotted by members of the Lydenburg K9 Unit on a dirt road. It was intercepted and the suspect was taken into custody.

The bakkie was reportedly fitted with false registration plates. It was reported stolen in Alberton in October 2022, according to the preliminary investigation.

The investigation established that the suspects hail from Katlehong in Ekurhuleni.

The arrested suspects – aged 25 and 33 – are expected to face charges of possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles in the Mashishing Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 11 November. They could be linked to other hijacking incidents.

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