NOORDWESTER – LICHTENBURG - The Provincial Police Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the arrest of three suspects, two men – aged 29 and 30, an a 17-year-old female, following a hijacking and robbery incident involving a 65-year-old Botswana national in Potchefstroom.
Information was received about a hijacking and a coordinated operation was activated by Crime Intelligence, the Flying Squad of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the Provincial Drug Task Team, as well as various private security companies.
According to reports, the incident was reported earlier on the same day at approximately 10:00, when the victim was travelling along the road between Nooitgedacht and Mooifontein, near Mahikeng in her vehicle, a Toyota Yaris. The victim was allegedly accosted by three suspects travelling in a white vehicle, who blocked the road and forced her to stop.
The suspects reportedly pointed at her with a firearm and threatened her with a knife, compelling her to get into their vehicle. She was subsequently driven to Itsoseng and Mahikeng, where she was forcefully taken to various Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and coerced into withdrawing money from her bank account.
After the withdrawals, the victim was abandoned in Mahikeng. Her cellphones were also stolen during the ordeal.
The suspects were expected to appear before the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 December, facing charges related to hijacking, robbery, kidnapping and possession of stolen property. The minor will be dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act.
