Attempting to Hijack a Truck with a Fake Gun
By Karabo Marifi
Heidelberg –
A tense standoff on the N3 northbound near Heidelberg turned deadly on Friday morning when an armed truck driver shot and killed one alleged Zimbabwean hijacker who tried to take over his vehicle using what turned out to be a fake gun.
The driver, acting in self-defence, opened fire after being confronted by four suspects posing as hitchhikers, leaving one dead at the scene and sparking a manhunt for the others who fled into nearby areas.
This incident, captured in a video by the driver himself, highlights the growing dangers faced by truckers on South Africa’s busy highways.
With truck hijackings on the rise, drivers like this one are increasingly relying on personal firearms and quick thinking to protect themselves and their cargo.
As police comb the area for the escaped suspects, communities along the N3 are on high alert, fearing more such attacks in a route known for its vulnerability to crime.
The Confrontation on the Highway
The drama unfolded around mid-morning on the N3, a major artery connecting Johannesburg and Durban, just near the Heidelberg Mall bridge.
The truck driver, whose identity remains protected for safety reasons, picked up what he thought were harmless hitchhikers – four men claiming to be Zimbabwean nationals needing a lift. Once inside, the situation quickly escalated.
According to the driver’s account in a video recorded right after the event, one of the men pulled out what looked like a real firearm and pointed it at him, demanding he pull over and hand over the truck.
Fearing for his life, the driver drew his legally owned gun and fired, hitting two of the suspects.
One died instantly from his wounds, while the other was injured but managed to escape with the remaining two on foot.
The weapon used by the hijacker was later confirmed to be a replica – a fake gun designed to intimidate but incapable of firing real bullets.
Such toys are often used in crimes to avoid harsher charges if caught, but in this case, it led to a fatal mistake.
The driver explained in the video: “They came at me with what I thought was a real gun. I had no choice but to defend myself.”
Emergency services arrived soon after, pronouncing the one suspect dead and securing the scene for investigation.
While initial reports mentioned possible activity near the R23 Benoni bridge, authorities clarified the main incident was at the Heidelberg Mall area.
This stretch of the N3 has seen similar attacks before, where criminals target heavy vehicles carrying valuable loads like electronics or fuel.
Police Response and Manhunt
The South African Police Service quickly cordoned off the area, launching an active investigation into the attempted hijacking. Officers from the Heidelberg station, supported by Gauteng’s provincial teams, are leading the probe.
They confirmed the driver’s story aligns with early evidence, including the fake gun found at the scene and bullet casings from the driver’s weapon.
A manhunt is underway for the three fleeing suspects, believed to have headed towards Spaarwater, Overkruin, or Bergendal – rural and informal areas nearby that provide cover for criminals on the run.
Police have urged locals to report any suspicious activity, warning that the men could be armed and dangerous despite the fake gun used in this attack.
Community safety groups like Proudly Heidelberg have been involved, sharing updates and calling for increased patrols on the N3.
In a statement, they noted: “This is too close to home. We need more visibility from law enforcement to keep our roads safe.” Helicopters and tracking dogs have been deployed to aid the search, with roadblocks set up on nearby routes to prevent the suspects from escaping further.
Broader Context of Truck Hijackings in South Africa
This foiled attempt adds to a worrying trend of truck hijackings across the country, particularly on major highways like the N3.
According to recent statistics, Gauteng sees over 1,000 such incidents yearly, with hijackers often targeting trucks for their cargo, which can fetch high prices on the black market.
In 2025 alone, more than 1,500 trucks were hijacked nationwide, resulting in millions in losses for companies and risks to drivers’ lives.
Many hijackers use tactics like posing as hitchhikers or faking breakdowns to lure drivers into stopping.
Fake guns or knives are common to intimidate without escalating to murder charges, but as this case shows, they can backfire when drivers are prepared.
The N3 corridor, stretching from Johannesburg through Heidelberg to Durban, is a hotspot due to its heavy traffic and remote sections ideal for ambushes.
Truck drivers’ associations have long called for better security measures, including convoy systems, GPS tracking, and armed escorts for high-value loads.
In similar past incidents, like one in June 2024 where a driver shot a hijacker on the same N3 stretch, self-defence training proved crucial.
That event led to calls for more firearm licences for drivers, balanced against strict gun control laws.
Driver’s Self-Defence and Legal Implications
The truck driver, who remained at the scene to cooperate with police, is not facing charges at this stage, as early findings support his claim of self-defence.
South African law allows for reasonable force when life is threatened, especially with a licensed firearm. He described the suspects as aggressive, forcing him to act swiftly to avoid being overpowered.
Experts note that while fake guns reduce the immediate threat, the intent to hijack still justifies defensive actions. In a 2023 case near Heidelberg, a driver was killed by hijackers using real weapons, underscoring the real dangers.
Training programs for truckers now include scenarios on spotting fake threats and when to use force, helping prevent tragedies.
The deceased suspect’s identity has not been released, pending notification of family in Zimbabwe.
Cross-border crime rings are suspected, with some hijackers entering South Africa illegally to target transport routes. This has prompted tighter border controls and joint operations with neighbouring countries.
Community Fears and Calls for Action
Residents in Heidelberg and surrounding areas are shaken, with many avoiding hitchhiking or stopping for strangers on the highway.
Local forums buzz with stories of similar close calls, urging vigilance. One community member shared: “We drive this road daily. It’s scary knowing hijackers are out there with fake guns or worse.”
Authorities encourage reporting suspicious behaviour via crime hotlines and apps. To combat the rise, plans include more CCTV on highways and partnerships with private security for rapid response.
For truckers, simple tips like not stopping in isolated spots and using panic buttons can make a difference.
As the manhunt continues, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks on South Africa’s roads.
While the driver’s quick actions saved his life and vehicle, the loss of life – even a criminal’s – prompts reflection on addressing root causes like poverty and border security to reduce such desperate crimes.
Police promise updates as they close in on the fugitives, hoping to restore safety to the N3.
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