And, 10 minutes later, the GPS coordinates pointed to an open field in Etwatwa, where the truck was recovered and one suspect was arrested.
“As the officers approached the vehicle, one suspect jumped out and tried to escape on foot, but could not outrun them,” says EMPD spokesman Wilfred Kgasago.
“He was arrested and all the goods, comprising sanitary towels, brooms and black refuse bags were found intact.
“The truck was from Nelspruit, heading to Johannesburg, when it was hijacked.”
He adds that the driver had been tied up before being dropped off near the N12/Holfontein turnoff.
Some Good Samaritans were able to untie the unharmed man, who was able to make contact with the authorities.
The recovered truck and its load were booked in at SAPS Van Ryn Vehicle Pound, in Benoni.
“The arrested suspect is a 31-year-old man, who was found to have been involved in no fewer than seven cases involving possession of goods from hijacked trucks,” Kgasago adds.
“He was detained at the Etwatwa Police Station, after charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and goods were registered against him.”
The suspected is expected to appear in the Daveyton Magistrates Court soon.
