Police in Limpopo have successfully recovered a Mercedes Benz Actros truck that was hijacked in Nigel on April 14.
The law enforcement team received a tip-off in the early hours of Monday regarding the whereabouts of the hijacked vehicle, which had been reported stolen in Gauteng.
“They (police) accurately followed the information, and the described truck was spotted being escorted by a VW Polo driving along the N1 North in Polokwane policing area at around 2 am. The operational members tried to stop the white truck with a blue tri-axle trailer, but the driver failed to stop. Instead, he increased speed,” said Mashaba.
A pursuit ensued as police chased the Mercedes Benz truck, leading to the driver heading into a nearby farm and causing damage to the fence in an attempt to evade capture.
Despite his efforts, the driver sustained serious injuries to his left leg while attempting to flee from law enforcement.
Other police officers managed to intercept the white Volkswagen Polo that was escorting the truck.
The vehicle’s two occupants were found to be in possession of fraudulent documents related to the Mercedes Benz truck.
Consequently, three suspects, aged between 29 and 43, were arrested on charges of possession of presumed stolen motor vehicle and possession of fraudulent documents.
The injured driver of the Mercedes Benz truck was promptly taken to a local hospital, where he is currently under police guard.
More on truck hijackings
Police estimate the value of the recovered Mercedes Benz truck at R2 million.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her appreciation to the law enforcement team members who participated in the extensive operation leading to the successful recovery of the hijacked vehicle.
The arrested suspects are set to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The injured driver of the Mercedes Benz truck will also face charges in absentia on the same day.
