| 2025/02/05 |
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Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – Police are warning delivery drivers to take extra precautions and to be vigilant at all times when driving, following the robbery of a courier bakkie in Addo on 5 February 2025. Police swift response resulted in the arrest of four men and the recovery of three firearms and stolen cargo less than an hour following a robbery incident. Due to the driver’s vigilance, police managed to swiftly arrest four suspects, and recovered stolen cargo (value R150 000), three firearms and also seized a getaway vehicle, after a courier bakkie was hijacked on route R335. The crime unfolded on Wednesday, 5 February 2025 at about 09:20, when a courier bakkie was forced off the R335road by four men, who were traveling in a silver (grey) VW Polo. The three suspects were armed with firearms and instructed the driver to pull over. Two of them got into the bakkie and shoved the driver to the passenger side. One of the suspects took over the steering wheel and drove it for a short while before stopping at a secluded spot, where they loaded most of the cargo into the Polo. The four men sped off with in the Polo, leaving the victim stranded. The victim alerted a passing motorist, who then summoned the police. The description of a getaway vehicle was communicated to all police communication channels, including local private security companies. At about 09:50, a vehicle fitting the description of a getaway vehicle was spotted few kilometres away, police managed to corner it with the assistance of an armed response vehicle (from a local private security company). Police recovered a stolen cargo and three firearms. A vehicle was also confiscated for further investigation. The suspects aged between 27 and 39 were detained on charges of carjacking, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of stolen property. They are expected to appear in Kirkwood magistrate’s court on the said charges and with a possibility of additional charges at the later stage of the investigation. Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka commended the teams for their sterling efforts and excellent coordination with other partners. This was an excellent example of an effective use of operational resources from everyone involved. Delivery drivers must just be alert of their surroundings at all times, added Maj Gen Xawuka. Ends
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