A massive manhunt has been launched by police, for suspects involved in both incidents, which occurred less than 24 hours apart.
Read: Tzaneen: Another state vehicle hijacked
The first incident occurred on October 4, in Lenyenye township outside Tzaneen, where it is alleged that a traffic police officer was driving a state motor vehicle; a white Golf 7, registration GZC 117 L belonging to the Provincial Traffic in Mopani District.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, the victim stopped the vehicle at the entrance of her residence in order to open the gate when she was blocked from behind by a silver-grey Ford Focus with an unknown registration number and three occupants wearing balaclavas.
Two suspects alighted from the car and approached her.
She managed to flee the scene unharmed, leaving the car behind.
Read: UPDATE: Traffic vehicle hijacked outside Tzaneen, traffic cop fled scene
The suspects then stole the vehicle and drove away.
Suspects are unknown and no arrests have yet been made. The second hijacking took place on October 5 at Lorraine village outside Tzaneen.
According to Maake police spokesperson Constable Emmanuel Manabe, Kruger Leshaba (45) was driving a state Nissan hard body double cab, registration GHJ 319 L, which belonged to the Limpopo Department of Health and Welfare.
Read: UPDATE: Traffic vehicle hijacked outside Tzaneen, traffic cop fled scene
Leshaba was allegedly on his way from attending a meeting in Lenyenye and soon after dropping off his colleague in Lorraine village, a silver polo with four occupants blocked his way.
Two armed men then alighted the vehicle and forced Leshaba out of the vehicle at gunpoint. No shots were fired.
The two suspects then fled with the state vehicle.
The victim alleges he was on his way to park the vehicle at Sekororo clinic when the incident took place.
No arrests have been made and both vehicles are still missing.
What does this then suggest about the safety of the community if authorities can’t protect even themselves against wild criminals and could this be the signal of a looming car jacking syndicate in our area?
Residents are advised to be on the lookout for the vehicles described above and to be vigilant when stopped by authorities.
Anyone with information which may lead to the arrest of these suspects and the recovery of the vehicles, may contact LT. Colonel Cecil Machimana at 0824517181 or the crime stop number 086 0010111, the crime line SMS 32211, or the nearest police station.
