Members of the Provincial Flying Squad, in collaboration with the K9 unit based in Maitland, successfully recovered hijacked cargo valued at more than R2 million in Elsies River on Monday.
The swift response from law enforcement not only ensured the retrieval of the stolen goods but also led to the apprehension of two suspects allegedly involved in the hijacking.
The operation unfolded on Monday afternoon around 15:30, following an alert from a tracking company regarding the suspected hijacking of a delivery truck in Manenberg.
Acting promptly upon receiving the distress signal, members of the provincial Flying Squad and K9 unit were dispatched to investigate the incident.
Their pursuit led them to Bofors Circle in Epping, where they discovered the charred remains of the truck cab, indicating a deliberate act of destruction.
Undeterred, the law enforcement team continued their search, tracing the signal to a business premises located in 16th Avenue, Elsies River.
There, they found the trailer containing a substantial cargo of various liquor brands, valued at approximately R1.8 million, untouched.
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Additionally, upon further investigation, another trailer loaded with boxes of spices and sauces, valued at approximately R500,000, was uncovered.
This discovery was linked to a hijacking that occurred in the same vicinity a week prior, indicating a pattern of criminal activity in the area.
A 36-year-old manager present at the premises was promptly arrested in connection with the recovered goods.
Subsequent investigations by provincial detectives led to the arrest of one of the occupants of the liquor delivery truck, who was identified as a suspect in the hijacking incident.
Both individuals now face charges related to the possession of suspected stolen property and are slated to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court once formal charges are filed.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation progresses, underscoring their commitment to bringing all involved parties to justice. The successful recovery of the hijacked cargo stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of law enforcement personnel in safeguarding the community against criminal activities.
