In the early hours of Thursday, June 15, 2023, two suspects were apprehended by the police in Ekurhuleni, following the recovery of a trailer carrying copper plates valued at over R6 million. The swift action taken by the Ratanda community, located outside Heidelberg, also played a crucial role in the retrieval of the abandoned hijacked truck.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) received information regarding a truck hijacking at the De Hoek Toll Plaza on the N3, approximately 20 kilometers south of Heidelberg.
Responding promptly, the Ekurhuleni Trio Task Team, in collaboration with a private security company, initiated a search for the suspects.
Acting on the provided intelligence, law enforcement officials tracked down two suspects in Katlehong who were in the process of unloading the stolen copper plates from the hijacked trailer.
Subsequently, the hijacked truck was discovered abandoned in Ratanda.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had hijacked the truck and swiftly connected the trailer to their own vehicle before making a hasty escape with the valuable cargo.
The apprehended suspects will face charges related to possession of suspected stolen property and hijacking of a trailer.
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Authorities are actively pursuing leads to locate any additional suspects involved in the incident.
The Ratanda community, as well as the Ratanda Local Safety Forum has been applauded for their collaboration with Lesedi Traffic, and the Ratanda SAPS which led to the arrests and recovery of the truck and copper.
It is worth noting that only a battery was stolen from the truck found in Ratanda. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and report any attempts to resell the stolen item to the relevant authorities.
