Police in Kariega in the Eastern Cape has recovered catalytic converters worth over R8-million and two hijacked trucks in two separate incidents this past week.
In both cases hijacked trucks were recovered in the Kariega area.
In the first incident, on April 26 at about 10:00, a truck with a cargo of catalytic converters worth millions was hijacked close to the Volkswagen plant in Kariega. About an hour and a half later, the vehicle was found abandoned without its load on the R334.
Police spokesperson, Capt. André Beetge, said that at approximately 17:00 on the same day, members of the K9-unit followed up on information that led them to a property in Amanzi Road, Kariega where they recovered some of the catalytic converters worth approximately R8 million. No arrests have been made.
“In the second incident, on May 4 at about 07:30, a truck that was hijacked in Grahamstown Road, Deal Party, was recovered abandoned behind Kayamnandi. The truck was transporting household goods that were destined to be delivered to two businesses in Humansdorp,” Beetge said.
“The vehicle was recovered at 10:40 without its contents. The Kariega K9-unit members once again followed up on information that led them to a property in KwaDwesi where some of the goods to the approximate value of R500 000 were confiscated. No arrests were made,” he added.
Acting district police commissioner, Brig. Thandiswa Kupiso, commended the K9 members for the recovery.
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“Truck hijackings impacts heavily on the economy and communities and businesses are urged to immediately report any suspicious activities taking place. Businesses are also advised to improve on their security measures when transporting goods, especially when it is worth millions of rands,” Kupiso added.
