Arrested Hijacking Suspect
By Thobeka Makume
A swift police operation by the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit has led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a hijacked vehicle in Thabong, Free State, on Monday, 24 February 2025. The dramatic incident unfolded in broad daylight, showcasing the dedication of local law enforcement in tackling crime head-on. The suspect, apprehended within an hour of the crime, is set to appear before the Welkom Magistrate Court soon, facing serious charges related to hijacking and firearm offences.
Swift Police Action Stops Hijacker in His Tracks
The incident began at approximately 10:00 on Monday morning when members of the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit were flagged down by a shaken African male. According to Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the victim reported that he had just been hijacked at gunpoint by a tall African male in Thabong. The suspect allegedly threatened the victim with a firearm before fleeing with his vehicle.
Without wasting time, the Anti-Gang Unit sprang into action. While the traumatised victim was assisted to open a case at Thabong Police Station, officers issued an urgent lookout for the stolen vehicle across the Thabong and Welkom areas. Their quick response paid off when, at around 10:55, the hijacked vehicle was spotted near R.H Matjhabeng Hospital—less than an hour after the crime was reported.
Sergeant Kareli explained, “The hijacked vehicle was being driven by a male fitting the description near the R.H Matjhabeng Hospital. The vehicle was intercepted and tactically approached by the members; the suspect, who was also the driver, was arrested and the vehicle was recovered.” The seamless coordination and rapid reaction of the unit ensured the suspect had little time to escape.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
The arrested suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was taken into custody on the spot. He faces charges of “possession of suspected stolen vehicle,” which will be linked to the earlier hijacking and “pointing of a firearm” incident in Thabong. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover further details, including whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a larger criminal network.
The suspect’s swift arrest highlights the effectiveness of the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit, a specialised team tasked with curbing violent crime and gang-related activities in the region. He is expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate Court in the coming days, where prosecutors will present their case. The outcome of this hearing could set the tone for how hijacking cases are handled in the Free State moving forward.
Rising Concerns Over Hijackings in Free State
This incident comes amid growing concerns about vehicle hijackings in the Free State, a province that has seen its fair share of crime-related challenges. Just weeks ago, on 9 January 2025, a similar case unfolded in Mount Frere, where a white Nissan bakkie was hijacked at gunpoint. In that instance, police recovered the vehicle and arrested a 22-year-old suspect, who appeared in court the following day. These recurring incidents have left residents on edge, prompting calls for stronger crime prevention measures.
In another notable case earlier this month, on 16 February 2025, a joint operation between the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit and Reddersburg SAPS led to the arrest of a murder suspect. The success of these operations underscores the critical role of collaboration between police units in maintaining safety across the province. However, the frequency of such crimes has sparked debates about the need for increased patrols and community awareness initiatives.
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