A truck driver hijacked during his trip from Johannesburg to Durban was found restrained but alive inside his vehicle in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, earlier today.
The distressed trucker’s plight was brought to light by a concerned pedestrian who contacted the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Phoenix Operations Centre at around 12:19 p.m.
The Good Samaritan informed RUSA about a parked white Scania truck on the side of the road in Phoenix, KZN.
The most alarming detail, however, was that he could hear faint cries for help emanating from within the truck, making him hesitant to approach the vehicle.
Reacting swiftly to the report, RUSA dispatched a team of Reaction Officers to the scene.
Upon their arrival, a shocking discovery was made – a man was found restrained in the bunk area located behind the driver’s seat.
The victim’s hands and legs were tightly bound using cellphone chargers.
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The officers promptly worked to free the trucker from his makeshift restraints, ensuring his safety.
The rescued driver recounted his harrowing experience to authorities.
According to his statement, he had stopped at a service station to grab lunch while en route from Johannesburg to Durban.
It was during this break that his day took a terrifying turn.
Returning to his truck after his meal, he was suddenly accosted by two armed assailants.
The criminals forced their way into the vehicle and forcibly restrained him, using cellphone chargers to bind his hands and legs.
With the trucker helpless in their custody, the hijackers then embarked on a series of alarming manoeuvres.
The suspects reportedly transported the captive driver to an undisclosed location, where they detached the trailer, which had been laden with boxes of chips.
After separating the trailer, the criminals continued their journey, ultimately ending up in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal.
The ordeal ended unexpectedly when the hijackers abandoned the truck, leaving the bound and frightened driver inside.
Thanks to the timely intervention of the concerned pedestrian and the diligent efforts of the Reaction Officers, the victim emerged from the ordeal unscathed physically.
