A 27-year-old suspect, Thabo Baloyi, was remanded in custody subsequent to his appearance before the Moretele Magistrate’s Court, on charges of car hijacking and attempted murder on Wednesday, 29 July 2020.
The court appearance stems from his apprehension on Monday, 27 July 2020, at about 20:00 at Swartdam, close to Makapanstad.
He is expected to re-appear in court on Wednesday, 18 August 2020, for a formal bail application.
Maria Nkabinde of the South African Police Services said it is alleged that on Friday, 24 July 2020, a 67-year-old man was hijacked by four suspects at about 21:30. The incident took place at his house in Potoaneng section, at Tladistad village, close to Makapanstad.
It is further alleged that the suspects drove off and the police were alerted regarding the hijacked silver grey VW Polo Vivo. Furthermore, the police whilst rushing to the scene spotted the hijacked vehicle as well as a suspicious maroon Nissan Almera, parked next to the road.
The police then made a u-turn to investigate. Upon realizing that the police saw them, the occupants of both vehicles started to fire shots. An exchange of shots ensued between the suspects and the police.
Two suspects came out of the Polo Vivo, leaving it behind, and all suspects sped off in the Almera.
At Swartdam, the suspects abandoned the vehicle. Upon searching the hijacked Polo Vivo, two firearms were discovered inside.
Three of the suspects are still at large and the police are appealing to members of the community to come forward with information that can assist the police to apprehend them.
Sergeant Mabotane Zono of Makapanstad Detectives can be contacted on 079 8819 925 or alternatively call the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated on MYSAPS application. The suspects are regarded as armed and dangerous and should not be confronted.
