An attempt to hijack a delivery truck in Longmarket Street in the Cape Town CBD on Wednesday morning was foiled by wakker members of the public and officers from the Central City Improvement District (CCID).
Witnesses say the hijackers tried to rob the truck driver with a pellet gun.
The suspects were stopped by vigilant community members and taken away by the CCID officers.
The Safety and Security Manager for the CCID, Muneeb Hendricks, said that the suspects caught the attention of the patrolling CCID officers when they allegedly struggled to operate the truck, reports Weekend Argus.
“The public safety officer immediately called for back-up and approached the truck. This resulted in the suspects fleeing the scene with the officer in pursuit.
“The officer apprehended the driver on the corner of Hout and St George’s Mall and a replica firearm and knife was found in his possession,” Hendricks said.
It is believed that three suspects attempted to rob the delivery truck.
However, when community members intervened, two of the suspects managed to run while one was captured.
The CCID officers managed to hold the suspect until SAPS arrived on the scene to apprehend the suspect.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirms: “A hijacking case has been opened and a 31-year-old man was arrested with an unlicensed firearm.
“Once he has been charged, the suspect will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court.”