Rusternburg – Police in North West have arrested two suspects linked to a hijacking and kidnapping incident involving a diesel delivery truck, marking what authorities described as a “significant breakthrough”.
According to the South African Police Service, the suspects, aged 46 and 49, were apprehended on Friday, 3 April 2026, following a swift response by the Cash-In-Transit (CIT) Task Team.
Police said the incident unfolded when a 38-year-old truck driver arrived at a depot in Rustenburg to deliver diesel worth more than R30,000.
“Upon arrival, the driver alighted from the truck and was approached by an unknown male who appeared to be the person designated to assist him at the depot,” police said.
The situation escalated rapidly when the suspect allegedly drew a firearm.
“The suspect produced a firearm and ordered the driver back into the truck. The victim complied, and the armed suspect entered the vehicle with him,” SAPS said.
Authorities added that two more suspects joined shortly after, forcing the driver to continue driving with all three men inside the vehicle.
“At the same time, two additional suspects also boarded the truck, and the victim was forced to drive off with all three suspects inside,” police said.
Unbeknown to the suspects, the driver managed to trigger a panic button, alerting authorities.
“Without the suspects knowing, the victim managed to activate a panic button, which triggered an alert received by members of the Cash-In-Transit (CIT) Task Team,” SAPS said.
The task team traced the vehicle to Ramochana, near Rustenburg, where they found the truck with the suspects and the victim still inside.
“Upon arrival, members found the victim still inside the truck with the suspects. One suspect fled the scene, while the remaining two suspects were arrested on the spot,” police confirmed.
The two arrested suspects are facing charges of hijacking and kidnapping and are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
Police have launched a manhunt for the third suspect who escaped.
