Free State police have arrested a 32-year-old Botshabelo businessman after finding him in possession of frozen chicken stolen from a hijacked truck.
The truck was transporting frozen chicken worth an estimated R270 000 when it was allegedly hijacked.
It had been hijacked on Tuesday around near Bloemfontein.
“The Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit received information on Thursday of suspected stolen goods that were being concealed in a well-known butchery suspected to have robbed from a hijacked Lesotho truck,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Lynda Steyn.
“A joint operation comprising the SAPS VIS, Park Road Detectives, Hawks, Vispol Botshabelo and LCRC Thaba-Nchu descended on the premises with a search warrant and resulted in the discovery of various types of frozen chicken boxes and other stolen items.
“The team proceeded to the N8 alongside Verkeerdevlei Road where the R450 000 hijacked truck was recovered,” Steyn said.
The truck driver was not harmed during the hijacking.
Meanwhile, all recovered items were handed over to the lawful owners who travelled from Lesotho.
Steyn said the suspect will appear in the Botshabelo Magistrates Court on Monday.
Investigations are still continuing.
