Two suspects, aged 23 and 37, were arrested in Balfour on the evening of 9 April 2025 around 22:30, for their alleged involvement in a hijacking, kidnapping, and possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.

According to information received, police in Balfour were alerted about a hijacked white Ford single cab bakkie, which had reportedly been taken at gunpoint in Morgenzon. It was further reported that the driver of the vehicle had also been kidnapped during the incident by the armed suspects.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Balfour responded swiftly and immediately set up a roadblock, closing off all exit points. The operation was supported by private security company POLSEC (Aubrey Securities).

Officers spotted the hijacked vehicle, matching the description provided, travelling on the R23 Road. The suspects attempted to evade capture by veering off towards the old Greylingstad Road in the direction of Balfour.

Attempts to stop the vehicle failed, leading to a high-speed chase. Realising they were being cornered, the suspects abandoned the bakkie and fled on foot into nearby maize fields under the cover of darkness.

Transnet’s drone technology was deployed to aid the search. A detailed sweep of the surrounding area was conducted, leading to the suspects being spotted later walking along a road near the field.

The suspects were searched, and a firearm with ammunition was discovered in their possession. They were subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

Police later found the victim tied up with rope along the roadside. Fortunately, the victim was unharmed and safely reunited with their family.

The two suspects, identified as Baveli Robert Maseko (37) and Orbin Mith Mohammed (23), appeared in the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on 14 April 2025. They were formally charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, hijacking, and kidnapping.

The court remanded them in custody until their next appearance, scheduled for 17 April 2025.

Police have praised the teamwork between SAPS Balfour, POLSEC, and Transnet, which led to the successful apprehension of the suspects and the safe recovery of the victim.

Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests have not been ruled out as police follow further leads