KEY POINTS
- Authorities in Bloemfontein initiate a search for the hijacking suspect throughout the city.
- A suspect abandoned the stolen vehicle while he escaped running after police engagement.
- South African police services recovered the stolen vehicle to give it back to its owner.
A hijacking suspect escaped from police during a confrontation with the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit when he left a stolen automobile behind then ran away in Bloemfontein on Monday.
The criminal incident started when a white FIAT was stolen during the morning at the Rocklands section.
Police response and vehicle recovery
The Provincial Anti-Gang Unit launched a citywide surveillance for the stolen vehicle immediately following the alert. The police officers observed the hijacked vehicle at 10:35 am while executing their routine patrol.
A pursuit developed until the subject escaped by running from the scene at Moseme Street and Thaka Lekwala Street intersection in Rocklands prior to the police arrival for an arrest.
Police manhunt launched and case opened
Police have captured but failed to arrest the suspect following the recovery of the hijacked automobile while authorities carry out a full search for this person, hence the reason police manhunt launched. The police have restored the vehicle ownership back to the owner after opening a hijacking case at Kagisanong Police Station.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) commended the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit for their fast action and alertness through their response.
