On Friday afternoon, at approximately 15h00, members of Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team (SOT) were activated by Netstar Tracking to assist in locating a hijacked Toyota Hilux that had been taken in the Newlands area by armed suspects.
The last known location of the vehicle was in the KwaMashu area. However, soon after, the signal was lost, indicating that the vehicle’s tracking device was likely being jammed.
Our SOT members, together with members of the Phoenix SAPS Trio Crimes Unit, Netstar Tracking, and other Security Services, immediately mobilised to the given location.
Despite a thorough initial search, the hijacked vehicle was not found at the scene.
Our members expanded their search to known hotspot areas for stolen and hijacked vehicles.
At approximately 17h30, while patrolling along the R102, vigilant team members spotted a vehicle matching the description of the hijacked Toyota Hilux. When our SOT members and SAPS officers identified themselves, the driver of the Hilux, already fitted with false registration plates, sped off towards the Glen Anil intersection.
A short chase ensued, during which the suspect made a sudden U-turn and drove back toward the M25. After a short distance, the driver lost control of the vehicle, crashing into nearby bushes.
Our members swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspect, who was seated in the driver’s seat.
Further investigation confirmed that the vehicle’s VIN number matched that of the Hilux hijacked earlier in Newlands, despite the altered number plates.
The suspect was arrested by Phoenix SAPS members, and the recovered vehicle was transported to Phoenix SAPS for further investigation and processing.
Marshall Security commends the excellent coordination and teamwork between all responding units, including the Phoenix SAPS Trio Crimes Unit, Netstar Tracking, and other Security Services. All efforts led to the swift recovery of the hijacked vehicle and the arrest of one suspect.
