Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said the case against Jabulani Sibasa, 46, Thabo Ncobo, 25, Siphelele Mazibuko, 25, and Johannes Nceba, 32, was postponed to February 19.

They are facing charges of car hijacking, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle and kidnapping.

They were arrested on February 10 near Skeerport outside Hartbeespoort Dam.

"According to information available at this stage, it is alleged that a 30-year-old victim was driving a company vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, when he stopped at a stop-and-go to give a pedestrian a lift on the R511 towards Brits. It is further alleged that as they drove pass Hernic Mine at the traffic lights, the passenger asked to be dropped off on an adjourning gravel road," she said.

"In a dramatic turn of events, three males allegedly emerged from the bushes when the motorist stopped to drop off the pedestrian. The victim was forced out of his vehicle. Furthermore, a blue Toyota Corolla allegedly stopped in front of the vehicle and the victim was pointed with a firearm. His hands were tied up and he was forced inside the Corolla and driven away, accompanied by two suspects."

An off-duty police officer who was on leave was driving on the R511 in his private vehicle, when he noticed the Toyota Corolla, speeding away. He followed the car, whilst calling for back-up and reported the suspicious activity.

"Police from Hartbeespoortdam responded swiftly and allegedly gave chase, which led to the Corolla being stopped on the R513 at Skeerpoort, close to Hartebeespoort Dam. Two suspects allegedly jumped out of the vehicle, but was chased and apprehended by police. The victim was then discovered by police inside the vehicle, tied-up with shoelaces. The vehicle was seized."

She said two detectives from Brits went to the scene after being phoned by their colleague and also saw a Toyoya Hilux exiting the gravel road.

"They followed the vehicle until they intercepted it at Damdoryn, between Hartbeespoort Dam and Brits. The company, who is the owner of the vehicle, was contacted and it was determined that the suspects were not employed by them. Two more suspects were arrested and the vehicle seized."

African News Agency (ANA)