PICS | Doc held at gunpoint! — Night hijack drama ends in gun bust and high-speed chase

Cape Town – A 33-year-old man has been arrested following a violent hijacking involving a medical doctor in Barberton, Mpumalanga, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, 30 July, around 23:45, when the doctor was driving home after completing a shift. He was accosted by two armed suspects who allegedly held him at gunpoint and hijacked his white Mahindra bakkie.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said members of the Nelspruit Flying Squad responded swiftly after receiving intelligence on the stolen vehicle, which was spotted travelling towards Machadodorp along the Schoemanskloof Road.

A high-speed chase ensued on the N4, ending when the suspect lost control of the vehicle near Sudwala Caves on the Sabie Road and veered off the road. One of the suspects managed to flee on foot, but the driver was arrested at the scene.

#sapsMP A 33-year-old male suspect has been arrested by SAPS members from the Nelspruit Flying Squad, following an armed robbery involving a Doctor in Barberton on Tuesday, 30/07. According to a report, the Doctor was on his way home after finishing his shift when he was accosted… pic.twitter.com/2yYsRT9bjX

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 31, 2025

During the arrest, police recovered a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, six live rounds of ammunition, a military-grade signal jamming device with 16 antennas, and a Lenovo laptop.

The arrested suspect faces multiple charges, including possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a military jamming device, and reckless and negligent driving. He is expected to appear in court soon.

The second suspect remains at large, and police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MYSAPS app. Callers may remain anonymous, and all information will be treated confidentially.

Mpumalanga’s Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers for their swift action.

“The quick recovery of the stolen vehicle and the arrest of one of the suspects is commendable. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure criminals are brought to book,” Mkhwanazi said.