Two suspects, aged 23 and 37, were arrested at Balfour in the evening of 09 April 2025 around 22:30, for possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition, hijacking, and kidnapping.
According to information, the Police in Balfour were alerted about a hijacked white Ford single cab bakkie that was reportedly taken at gunpoint in Morgenzon. It was further reported that the victim had also been kidnapped by armed suspects.
SAPS Balfour immediately responded and activated a roadblock, closing off all exit points. The Police led operation was executed with external support from POLSEC members (Aubrey Securities). The team spotted the vehicle, matching the description as provided, traveling on the R23 Road. The vehicle is said to have taken an off-ramp to the old Greylingstad Road, heading towards Balfour.
Attempts to pull the vehicle off the road were unsuccessful, prompting a high-speed chase. Realising they were cornered, the suspects abandoned the vehicle then fled on foot into nearby maize fields.
With the assistance of drone technology from Transnet, a thorough search of the area was conducted, and then later, the suspects were spotted walking along the road. They were searched and a firearm with ammunition was found in their possession. They were apprehended and charged for possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
The victim was later found nearby, tied up with rope along the roadside but safely rescued and taken home.
The two suspects are expected to appear at the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 11 April 2025, facing the charges of possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition, hijacking, and kidnapping.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the collaboration displayed by the Police and Private Sector as it led to the swift response and arrest of the suspects.
Two suspects arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm, hijacking and kidnappinghttps://t.co/sIsT21r73Z#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/6CQyTTqEZC
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 11, 2025
