Members of the EMPD Bronberg precinct successfully recovered a panel van that was hijacked on the N12 and rescued its occupants on June 19.
According to EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, officers responded to information that the hijacked white Toyota van was spotted travelling on the N12 towards Witbank.
“It is alleged that the driver of the van heeded the instruction of police officers conducting routine stop-and-search operations on the stretch of road,” said Thepa.
“While still standing on the side of the road following the departure of the SAPS vehicle, a white Mercedes Benz panel van stopped next to the victims, asking for directions to Witbank.
“The driver of the Mercedes allegedly produced a firearm and instructed the driver and passenger to move into the rear of the vehicle. He then proceeded to get into the driver’s side of the vehicle.
“The two vehicles drove to the Etwatwa off-ramp where the contents of the Toyota, alcohol valued at R200 000, was loaded into the Mercedes,” she said.
“The victims were found safe and unharmed in the back of the vehicle. No arrests were made, however, investigations are continuing.”
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