Nelspruit: 06 September 2023 - Three suspects aged between 32 and 47 disrespected the authorities when they tried to make themselves smart by parking a hijacked vehicle at Witbank Police Station. The suspects are said to have entered the premises of the police station yesterday, Tuesday 05 September 2023 at about 10h30 am with a white double cab Toyota Hilux bakkie that was reported hijacked in Diepsloot, Gauteng Province last November (2022).
The vehicle was then noticed by a member working at the Community Service Centre (CSC) who became suspicious as the vehicle was parked whilst its occupants remained seated inside the car. The member drew nearer the vehicle for investigation but the driver is said to have alighted then turned tail and fled.
The other two passengers were arrested after it was established that the vehicle was hijacked. Later on the day, at about 14h00, the driver tried his luck and came to the police station again with the hope of taking the vehicle, little did he know that police were waiting for him hence he was arrested.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate's Court tomorrow, Thursday 07 September 2023 for possession of a reportedly hijacked vehicle. Further investigation will determine whether more charges can be added against the suspects.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded members for their vigilance thereby arresting the suspects and recovered the said vehicle. "As the Police in this province, we have adopted the slogan of not sleeping. This implies that we remain vigilance hence the suspects were caught off-guard as they never thought someone is watching. We also want to tell members to keep up the good work. The community together with their properties are safe in the hands of the men and women in Blue, " said the General.