G4S security guard arrested for hijacking and kidnapping in Eastern Cape
A G4S security guard is set to appear in the Port St. Johns Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning after being arrested on charges of hijacking and kidnapping. The 40-year-old guard, who was apprehended on Saturday by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), allegedly played a role in a daring attack involving his colleagues while they were servicing Capitec Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the Eastern Cape.
According to Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, two G4S security guards were in the process of servicing ATMs in Ntlaza, Libode, when the incident unfolded. The guards were driving a Toyota Etios when a Volkswagen Polo reportedly bumped into their vehicle, prompting the guards to stop and inspect the damage.
The Hijacking and Kidnapping Incident
As the guards were checking the damages, a white Toyota Fortuner suddenly appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. The suspects in the Fortuner allegedly stopped beside the Etios, got out, and quickly disarmed the guards of their firearms. The armed suspects then ordered the guards to lie down on the road before fleeing the scene in the Fortuner, leaving the two men behind.
The hijackers reportedly drove off with the G4S security guards in tow, but they eventually dropped them off near Ngqeleni, in a secluded area surrounded by forest. After the drop-off, the hijackers fled in the stolen Toyota Fortuner.
Police Response and Vehicle Discovery
According to the Hawks, the G4S Toyota Etios was later found by police in the Pantu area, located near Port St. Johns. Two suspects were discovered inside the abandoned vehicle. When police attempted to approach, the suspects fled on foot. A brief chase ensued, which led to the arrest of one suspect, while his accomplice managed to escape.
During the pursuit, law enforcement recovered vital evidence, including firearms and ATM keys that had been stolen during the hijacking. The ATM keys were later linked to the stolen vehicle, providing further confirmation of the involvement of the suspects in the crime.
Identification of the Suspect
An intensive investigation carried out by the Hawks soon established that the arrested suspect was, in fact, a current employee of G4S Cash Solutions, a Gauteng-based company. Authorities have not yet revealed whether the suspect’s colleagues, who were with him during the ATM servicing operation, were involved in any way, but the investigation remains ongoing.
The fact that one of the suspects was employed by G4S adds a shocking layer to the crime, raising questions about internal security and whether there was any involvement of insiders in orchestrating the hijacking. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the security industry, particularly G4S, a global security company with operations across several countries, including South Africa.
Investigation and Suspects at Large
While one suspect has been apprehended, several accomplices are still on the loose. The Hawks have confirmed that investigations into the case are ongoing, and they are actively searching for additional suspects who may have been involved in the hijacking and kidnapping. Given the nature of the crime and the recovery of firearms, it is believed that the suspects may be connected to organized criminal syndicates that specialize in targeting security vehicles and personnel.
This daring heist has raised concerns about the safety and security of cash-in-transit operations, especially in rural areas like those surrounding Port St. Johns and Libode, where such incidents of hijacking and kidnapping have been on the rise. As investigations continue, police are working hard to track down the remaining suspects and ensure that they face justice.
Growing Concerns Over Cash-In-Transit Heists
This hijacking and kidnapping is just the latest in a series of incidents involving cash-in-transit heists, a crime that has plagued South Africa for years. In recent months, there have been increasing reports of such crimes, which often involve heavily armed criminals targeting security vehicles, holding the guards hostage, and stealing large sums of cash or valuables. These high-risk crimes often leave the guards traumatized and are a significant threat to public safety.
The involvement of an insider in this particular case is especially concerning, as it points to the possibility of criminal collusion within the ranks of security companies. Such incidents may lead to heightened security measures and internal investigations at companies like G4S to ensure that their operations are not compromised by rogue employees.
Conclusion
The arrest of the G4S security guard marks a crucial development in the investigation into this hijacking and kidnapping case. While one suspect has been taken into custody, the Hawks continue to pursue leads in the hope of apprehending all those involved. With the ongoing search for the other suspects, the authorities remain committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the safety of security personnel is prioritized.
As this case progresses, it highlights the persistent problem of cash-in-transit heists in South Africa and the need for continued vigilance from both law enforcement and security companies to combat these violent crimes.
