Botched hijacking, five nabbed
2007-12-30 18:17
Johannesburg - Five men were arrested at Browns Farm in the Western Cape on Saturday after they hijacked a furniture store delivery vehicle, police said on Sunday.
It is alleged that at about 14:40, two men, one of whom was armed, approached the white Colt bakkie transporting goods for the furniture store.
"One gunshot was heard by the three occupants in the bakkie, after which it was hijacked. Nobody sustained any injuries during the incident," said police spokesperson, Inspector Bernadine Steyn.
Police on patrol received the complaint at about 15:15 and at about 15:45 they spotted the bakkie in Klipfontein Road said Steyn.
One of the suspects was arrested next to the vehicle and another was arrested in one of the nearby houses.
The bakkie, two fridges, a double bed and a stove were recovered, said Steyn.
Police recovered the rest of the stolen goods, including two microwave ovens and a speaker box and arrested three more suspects when they spotted a Mazda parked near the house.
Two firearms, the serial numbers of which had been filed off, were recovered.
"The total value of the recovered bakkie and stolen goods amount to R120 000," said Steyn.
Five men, aged between 18 and 31 years, were expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Monday to face charges of hijacking, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
- SAPA