By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The police in Balfour have arrested two suspects, aged 23 and 37, for possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition, as well as hijacking and kidnapping on the evening of Wednesday 9 April 2025, after they reportedly took a white Ford Single Cab at gunpoint in Morgenzon.
The owner of the vehicle was also said to be kidnapped by the armed suspects during the hijacking.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane, the police in Balfour responded immediately by activating a roadblock, closing all exit points, after the hijacking was reported. POLSEC was also reportedly roped to assist the police.
“ The team spotted the vehicle, matching the description as provided, travelling on the R23 Road. The vehicle is said to have taken an off-ramp to the Greylingstad Road, heading towards Balfour. Attempts to pull the vehicle off the road were unsuccessful, prompting a high-speed chase. Realising they were cornered, the suspects abandoned the vehicle the fled on foot into nearby maize fields,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.
The police reportedly sourced the assistance of a drone technology from Transnet, which spotted the suspects walking along the road and they were immediately arrested.
“ They were searched and a firearm with ammunition was found in their possession. They were apprehended and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.
The two suspects will reportedly appear before the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on Friday 11 April 2025, to face the said charges.
Pic: Police officers standing next to the ‘hijacked’ bakkie
Pic: The firearm that was reportedly found in the possession of two suspects
