‘Traffic cops’ hijack truck

A gang of men dressed in traffic police uniforms and driving marked traffic vehicles hijacked a courier truck after setting up a roadblock on the N2.

The hijacking happened at about 7am on Wednesday when two white cars – a Volkswagen Polo and Ford Ikon, allegedly marked with traffic insignia and blue lights – pulled over a Ram Courier truck near the Hankey offramp along the N2 outside Port Elizabeth.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Majola Nkohli said the truck had been travelling back to Port Elizabeth from George when it was stopped at what appeared to be a roadblock.

“There were at least four suspects and all were dressed in traffic official uniforms with firearms,” he said.

“They signalled the courier truck to pull off the road.

“A suspect, dressed in uniform, approached the courier van and demanded the driver hand over his licence.

“While this was happening, the suspect pulled out a firearm and demanded that the assistant and driver get out of the van.

“They were then ushered into the back of the Ikon at gunpoint.”

Nkohli said the courier truck driver and his assistant had then been kidnapped.

“They were told to keep their heads down by the two suspects, also wearing traffic uniforms, who were driving the Ikon and they then drove off,” Nkohli said.

“The suspects drove them to a bushy area near Motherwell where they were held hostage.

“They tied the two victims’ hands together with cable ties.

“After waiting with them for about 20 minutes, the marked traffic vehicle sped off, leaving them behind.”

Nkohli said that a short while later the men had found their way to the roadside, where they flagged down a passing motorist.

“They were both given a lift to the Motherwell police station,” he said.

Shortly after police were alerted to the hijacking, the courier van was found abandoned in Rocklands Road on the outskirts of the Bay.

Only about 15 boxes were left in the back of the truck.

Nkohli said it was not yet clear what had been stolen.

Asked what the exact traffic department markings had been on the cars and uniforms, Nkohli said that was subject to investigation.

A case of hijacking and abduction is under investigation.