R500,000 cigarette robbery: Man arrested after daring Sabie hijacking
A 30-year-old man has been arrested after a cigarette delivery van loaded with stock worth about R500,000 was hijacked in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on Tuesday morning.
According to police, the incident happened at around 8.30 am on the Sabie/White River road when a white Kia overtook the delivery van and suddenly stopped in front of it. Two men got out of the Kia and pointed firearms at the occupants — one armed with a pistol and the other with a rifle.
The victims were forced out of their white Haval delivery van and into the Kia, after which they were driven into a nearby plantation.
“Once deep inside the plantation, the victims were instructed to run and not look back. They later sought help from people working in the plantation and managed to call for assistance,” said provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
Police and car-tracking services were immediately activated. The stolen van was later found abandoned on the Sabie/White River road. Officers noticed tyre tracks leading into the plantation and followed them, leading to the discovery of a Toyota Quantum loaded with 28 boxes of stolen cigarettes.
“One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the other suspects managed to flee and are still at large,” Ndubane said.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear before the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of hijacking and robbery.
Police have urged anyone with information that could help trace the remaining suspects to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the My SAPS App. Callers can remain anonymous, and all information will be treated confidentially.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News