Attempted Hijacking on R61 Near Tsomo, Victims Escorted to Safety

An attempted hijacking was reported on the R61 near Tsojana in the Tsomo policing precinct on Tuesday after a delivery trip from East London to Mthatha was disrupted by two vehicles that allegedly tried to block the road.

The incident was confirmed by SAPS spokesperson Captain Mgolodela, who said the victims were travelling to Mthatha to deliver batteries when the incident unfolded.

“It was attempted hijacking next to Tsojana, Tsomo policing precinct,” said Captain Mgolodela.

She said law enforcement agencies were informed and stepped in to assist the victims after the attempted attack.

Delivery trip targeted

According to Captain Mgolodela, the people involved were travelling from East London and were headed to Mthatha at the time.

“They were from East London enroute to Mthatha to deliver batteries,” she said.

Captain Mgolodela added that the suspects used two vehicles in an apparent effort to stop them on the route.

“Two (2) vehicles attempted to obstruct them in vain.”

No further details about the two vehicles were immediately available.

Escorted to safety

After the attempted hijacking, the victims were escorted to Tsomo Police Station.

Captain Mgolodela said law enforcement agencies were informed and assisted the victims before they were taken onward.

“Law enforcement agencies were informed and escorted the purported victims to Tsomo police station where they were escorted to their destination at Mthatha.”

The reported attempted hijacking has again placed the spotlight on safety along the R61, a major route used by both motorists and delivery vehicles travelling through the Eastern Cape.

Police have not yet released additional information on the suspects or indicated whether any arrests have been made.

Motorists travelling along the route are urged to remain cautious and report suspicious activity to police.