Eastern Cape police have launched a manhunt after an officer in a marked police vehicle was hijacked on Saturday, in the Engcobo area. The hijacked vehicle was later found abandoned.
Brigadier Thmbinkosi Kinana, the police spokesperson said a lone officer was hijacked at around 1am while he was coming from dropping a victim at hospital.
“According to the information, the police officer had attended a complaint of a person who was raped. As he was driving back from the medical institution where he had dropped the victim, he was accosted by unidentified suspects. At gunpoint, the two suspects pulled him out and then drove off in the police vehicle,” said Kinana.
The police officer managed to escape unharmed and called for assistance from the police station. Backup soon came to the rescue of the officer.
“The police vehicle was later found abandoned in the nearby forest known as Sigidi. SAPS members are currently searching for the suspects in and around the local villages,” said Kinana.
A case of armed robbery was opened, and investigations are underway. No arrests have been made as yet.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have knowledge that could help lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or the crime stop number 08600 10111.
Source: The South African, IOL, Africa Press, image from Africa Press