Three (3) suspects were arrested and a hijacked taxi was recovered following an extensive search this morning (Wednesday).
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received a call from a member of the public reporting a hijacking that occurred in Blackburn – KZN. The caller informed the Controller On Duty that the mini bus arrived in the area to uplift scholars and they were unsure if there were any children in the vehicle at the time of the hijacking. The driver was confirmed to be taken.
All available Reaction Officers were dispatched to locate the vehicle and the occupants. During the search, information was received the two (2) tone VW Crafter was seen passing Hambanathi in Tongaat – KZN.
Reaction Officers from Tongaat & Ballito were mobilised to intercept. First Responders were informed that the vehicle was fitted with a tracking device and was travelling on the R614 towards Esnembe – KZN. Multiple security companies joined the search.
Reaction Officers and Police Officials from the Verulam SAPS spotted the sought after vehicle at a service station in Upper Tongaat. The mini bus was tactically approached and three (3) suspects were arrested. The driver was located in the vehicle. He was bound with a nylon rope. There were no children in the taxi.
The 43 year old victim informed authorities that he was on route to uplift scholars when two (2) men block his path of travel on an unpaved road. A third suspect exited the cane field, produced a dagger (picture 4) and forced him into the rear of the vehicle. The three (3) suspects assaulted the driver and bound him with rope (picture 5) before they sped off in the direction of Bhamshela – KZN.
The taxi was low on fuel and they were intercepted when they stopped to refuel.
