Armed robbers target bread delivery workers in failed hijacking

Two bread delivery workers had a terrifying brush with armed criminals during a brazen robbery and hijacking attempt in Canelands, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday. The drama unfolded while the employees were making deliveries in a white Hyundai H100 bakkie packed with crates of bread. Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said two armed men approached the vehicle and pulled out firearms, confronting the workers in what appeared to be a planned robbery and possible hijacking.

Spokesperson Prem Balram said the driver jumped out of the vehicle and ran for safety. “From his hiding place, he contacted the vehicle’s owner and alerted him to the frightening ordeal. The owner rushed to our headquarters to seek help,” Belram said.

Using a cellphone tracking application linked to the vehicle, he was able to monitor its movements and relay GPS coordinates to reaction officers. He said within minutes, officers mobilised and converged on the area in Canelands and a search ensued leading to the recovery of the vehicle outside a tuck shop. Balram said when first responders arrived, they were met by the shaken driver and his assistant.

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“The pair told officers they had fled in different directions after the suspects brandished their firearms. The would-be hijackers were unable to start the vehicle.” “Frustrated, they abandoned the attempt and fled the scene empty-handed before authorities arrived,” he said.

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