A lorry driver (34) and his alleged accomplice (34) were arrested in Bosbokrand on Tuesday after they apparently helped smuggle a shipment of liquor worth around R50 000.
Brig. Selvy Mohlala, police spokesperson, says the lorry driver, employed by a liquor wholesaler, was on his way on Tuesday morning at around 06:45 along with two occupants on the R533 to deliver a consignment of liquor to the Matibidi Trust.
“When they approached the Inyaka Dam, two armed men allegedly emerged from the bushes and threatened them with a firearm.”
The suspects apparently told the driver to drive to a nearby shop.
“The truck first drove to Bosbokrand, then to Boikhutso and finally ended up in the woods near Xanthia Trust.
“The truck management’s manager called him here to find out where the truck is, and he was informed that they are currently on Graskop,” says Mohlala.
It is further alleged that the suspects apparently forced the two occupants to the back of the truck from where the stock was taken away.
“After that, the armed men apparently let them go.”
According to Mohlala, the driver then went to the Bosbokrand police station where they had already been informed about the alleged hijacking. A case was registered after which the police combed the scene at Xanthia.
“During the investigation, police members noticed a gray Toyota Hilux with a load of liquor.
“The police tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver ignored the officers and fled on foot.”
According to Mohlala, the suspect was apprehended soon after and the liquor was confiscated.
As the investigation progressed, it turned out that the so-called hijacking was a well-conceived plan – in which the truck driver was apparently involved – to steal the stock. The driver has already been arrested.
“The police cannot at this stage rule out the possibility that similar incidents have occurred in the past,” says Mohlala.
“It is subject to further investigation.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bosbokrand Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
