A 45-year-old man was arrested in Mpumalanga on Thursday while fleeing after a truck hijacking in Free State. The suspect will appear in Standerton Magistrate’s Court for possessing the stolen truck transporting soya.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, three armed men in a sedan abducted the truck driver near Vrede. They tied him up in the back before driving the hijacked truck into Standerton.

The kidnappers released the driver in the bushes and took his phone. But truck owners alerted authorities about the activity. Police spotted the truck being driven by one suspect and gave chase.

“The suspect proceeded and bumped into the back of the security company vehicle, which resulted in the truck overturning,” Mdhluli stated. The man had a toy gun and was arrested.

The traumatized driver managed to walk and report the hijacking after midnight. Over 20 stolen vehicles have been recovered in Mpumalanga this year.

The arrested suspect could face additional charges as investigations continue. Police urge citizens to provide any information to help find their accomplices.

Truck hijackings disrupt deliveries of vital goods and endanger drivers. Officials are determined to curb this dangerous enterprise devastating trade.