A case of hijacking and possession of stolen property was opened at the Parkweg police station on Tuesday (3/2) after a truck driver was attacked along the N8 route.

The police say the 50-year-old driver was travelling from Kimberley to Bloemfontein at about 18:30 when he stopped in a remote area approximately 50 km outside Bloemfontein to relieve himself.

It is alleged upon returning to his vehicle, the driver noticed an unknown male standing in the middle of the road.

Hijacking

“He was overpowered by the suspect, pushed off the truck, and the truck was hijacked. Another truck driver helped the complainant, and the police managed to recover the truck as well as the cargo and arrested the 48-year-old suspect in Haldon Road, Universitas in Bloemfontein,” said Free State police spokesperson, Thabo Covane.

Police confirmed the truck and its cargo were successfully recovered. 

In response to the incident, Free State police have urged truck drivers to exercise extreme caution while travelling, especially at night and in remote areas.

Safety measures for truck drivers

• Avoid stopping in unlit or unsafe areas, particularly at night.
• Stop only at designated, safe, and secure truck stops.
• Secure cargo at all times and refrain from revealing details about loads to strangers.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers, including police and private security, on speed dial.
• Plan trips in advance, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, have sufficient fuel, and use safe routes.
• Familiarise themselves with known crime hotspots to avoid offences such as truck tyre and cargo theft, as well as smash-and-grab incidents.
• Avoid picking up hitchhikers while on duty.
• If approached or stopped by suspicious-looking vehicles, continue driving to the nearest filling station or police station.
• Truck owners are encouraged to invest in security systems such as vehicle tracking devices and onboard cameras.

Police have reiterated their commitment to combating truck hijackings and related crimes, and have called on the trucking community to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities immediately.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg