Nine daring robbers successfully hijacked two liquor trucks just outside Mthatha after taking control of the security vehicle that was escorting them.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident began when nine heavily armed suspects hijacked a security escort vehicle in Mthatha CBD.
The hijackers used the stolen security vehicle to intercept and seize the two delivery trucks while the security guards were tied up and placed in the back of the vehicle.
During the hijacking, the security guards managed to escape unharmed and promptly alerted the police.
A quick response by police led to the recovery of the liquor and the two delivery trucks at Misty Mount, located outside Mthatha.
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Police units from Libode and Tsolo SAPS, Public Order Police, and the Mthatha Flying Squad tracked the trucks to a gravel road near Misty Mount. The suspects were in the process of offloading the stolen goods when they spotted the approaching police.
The robbers fled the scene using the hijacked security vehicle, while others escaped into a nearby forest.
A shootout ensued between the police and the suspects, but no injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made.
The investigation is currently underway.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators to contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send a tip-off via the My SAPS App.