Robbers targeted trucks in two separate incidents in the Bellville area last week.
At 4pm, a truck driver and his assistant were busy getting into the vehicle when three men threatened them at gunpoint between Robert Sobukwe Road and Belrail last Wednesday, according to Bellville police spokesman Captain Aubrey Morwenyane.
“Two of the hijackers entered the truck with the driver and his assistant. The other hijacker returned to their car they arrived with and followed the truck until they came to a stop at the Bellville fire department.”
The driver and his assistant were then forced to enter the vehicle.
“The hijackers drove with them until they reached Parow and the driver and assistant were dropped off in Voortrekker Road. The hijackers robbed them of R30 000 and the truck was later recovered at the Bellville fire department. A truck hijacking case was opened and is being investigated,” said Captain Morwenyane.
Later that evening, police were following up on a tip-off of a planned hijacking when officers spotted a white VW Polo behind a truck in Tiene Meyer Road, at 10pm.
“Two men and one woman got out the vehicle and approached the truck, they immediately saw the marked police car and ran away. They shot at the police as they fled the scene. Eventually, the officers apprehended and arrested them.”
No police officers were injured during the shoot-out and a case of attempted murder is being investigated.
“The incidents don’t seem to be related but the matter is under investigation,” said Captain Morwenyane.
“Truck drivers should please have passengers who monitor what is happening at the back of the vehicles while driving. Hot spot areas for these crimes include: the Bellville CBD, Kuskal Avenue, Belrail Road and Charl Malan Road.”
For more information, contact Captain Aubrey Morwenyane at 079 469 6405 or email bellvillecomm@saps.gov.za.