Gauteng police say they have foiled an alleged truck hijacking before the targeted vehicle could be attacked, after an intelligence-led operation in the Sedibeng area resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects.
Police received information about a planned hijacking involving a truck carrying electronics and moved in before the alleged operation could be carried out.
The operation turned violent when four suspects allegedly opened fire on police. They were wounded during the ensuing confrontation.
Police recovered a rifle, four pistols and ammunition, as well as a signal jammer, false number plates, five vehicles, police uniforms, a Gauteng Traffic Police uniform and blue lights.
Investigators believe the group had gone to considerable lengths to prepare for the alleged hijacking. A Toyota GD-6 and Toyota Quantum were reportedly fitted with false registration plates and blue lights, while the signal jammer was found inside the Quantum.
The recovery of police uniforms and blue lights has raised concerns about the alleged use of impersonation as part of the operation.
The suspects face a range of charges, including attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, impersonating police, possession of a signal jammer, conspiracy to hijack a truck and possession of police uniforms and blue lights.
For truck drivers and fleet operators, the operation highlights the increasingly organised nature of hijacking syndicates, with criminals allegedly using equipment and vehicles designed to make them appear legitimate while targeting valuable loads.
The arrests also show the importance of intelligence gathering and information sharing in preventing hijackings before a driver becomes the next victim.
The investigation is continuing as police work to establish the full extent of the alleged operation and whether the suspects may be linked to other truck hijackings.
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