After a truck with a load of frozen chicken was hijacked on Ottery Road in Wynberg on Wednesday morning, members of Operation Lockdown II with a tracking company followed information about the whereabouts of the vehicle with the cargo. On Cochrane Avenue in Epping at approximately 17:30, the police pounced on 19 suspects loading pallets containing chicken onto seven light delivery vehicles. A total of 1155 boxes of frozen chicken were seized.
The 19 suspects aged between 25 and 50 were henceforth arrested and charged with possession of the stolen property. A firearm with ammunition was also found on one of the suspects. It was sent for ballistic testing to determine if it was utilised in the commission of a crime. Another vehicle, a sedan, was also found on the scene.
Meanwhile, the hijacked truck was found abandoned in Bellville. All nine vehicles have been impounded as part of the investigation. The estimated value of the stolen boxes of chicken is R600 000-00. As investigations into the incident continue, the possibility of the suspects facing additional charges cannot be ruled out. All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court on Friday.
The owner of the truck and consignment, a businessman has since identified the items seized.
The effort of all parties involved is commended by provincial SAPS management as police continue to clamp on criminality.
