Bushbuckridge: The Ehlanzeni District’s Acornhoek Cluster Crime Prevention Team has made a significant breakthrough by arresting a 41-year-old suspect for possession of suspected stolen property in connection with a truck hijacking incident that occurred in Bushbuckridge on 20 June 2025 at approximately 14:30.
According to South African Police Service, the driver of a delivery truck was en route to Bushbuckridge Tyre Mart to deliver tyres. After completing the delivery and as he attempted to proceed to Dwarsloop, he was approached by a man near the R40 Road who pointed a firearm at him. The suspect entered the truck and forced the driver to continue driving.
The driver alleged that he was instructed to divert towards a scrap yard along the R40, where he was then directed to another location. At that location, the suspects offloaded 36 tyres from the truck. After the theft, the driver was ordered to leave and subsequently drove to the nearest police station to open a case.
At approximately 16:00 the same day, the police received a tip-off from Netstar Tracking Company regarding the possible location of the stolen tyres. Acting swiftly, the team operationalised the information which led them to a residence in Maribishing, outside Bushbuckridge. Upon arrival, officers noticed a pile of tyres stacked near the garage. A man at the scene, who claimed ownership of the tyres, stated that they had been delivered to him by unidentified individuals.
The suspect, aged 41, was immediately arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and has been linked to the truck hijacking case. A total of 26 tyres, valued at R67,140.00, were recovered. The delivery truck itself is valued at approximately R500,000.00.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 June 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift actions of the police, stating: ‘This type of criminal activity is harmful to our economy. If such crimes persist, businesses may be forced to shut down, resulting in job losses. We urge communities to work with the police by reporting individuals involved in such crimes.’