A swift response by police in Tonga resulted in a recovery of a truck less than 40 minutes after it was hijacked at KaMhlushwa near Tonga, situated in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality of Mpumalanga, on Monday.

According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the truck was travelling from Mbombela to KaMhlushwa when it was hijacked at about 10:00.

The truck driver and his crewman said that a silver Toyota Etios overtook them and stopped right in front of the truck, obstructing them from driving further.

“Two armed men alighted from the Toyota Etios and attacked the driver. They pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to get off the truck. The two victims got off, leaving their cellphones inside the truck. The suspects fled the scene in the truck,” he explains.

Mdhluli adds the victims managed to get assistance from a community member who borrowed them a phone to contact the police. A hijacking case was opened at KaMhlushwa SAPS and police immediately shared the message with nearby stations.

“Tonga SAPS members responded swiftly and blocked all possible escape routes. During this time Tonga SAPS members spotted the truck driving at a high speed in Tonga. The truck was followed and when the suspects realised that they were being pursued they stopped the truck, got off and ran away on foot before disappearing into nearby bushes,” Mdhluli explains.

He says the truck was recovered, and the truck as well as the cargo, estimated at about R2m, were recovered.

Further investigation has since revealed the truck was destined for KaMhlushwa and Malalane.

Police urge anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Detective Warrant Officer Moses Mbambo on 082 389 8112, or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, send information via the MySAPS app.