Liquor outlet owner and 2 others arrested for staging truck hijacking in Limpopo

Liquor outlet owner and 2 others arrested for staging truck hijacking in Limpopo! Three suspects, including a well-known liquor store owner, have been arrested and charged with theft after allegedly staging a truck hijacking involving R1.2 million worth of liquor.

The accused individuals, identified as Phillip Mokgadi Maphepha (34), Lesedi Issac Khubayi (31), and Robert Ledwaba (30), appeared before the Gilead Periodic Court on Monday.

The Alleged Hijacking Scheme

According to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, the investigation revealed that the hijacking took place in October 2024 near Grobler’s Bridge port of entry, as a truck transporting liquor to Botswana was allegedly ambushed.

“The driver and his crew were taken to a secluded area, where the suspects forced them to unhook the trailer and attach it to another truck,” Thakeng explained.

Liquor outlet owner

After being forced to abandon their truck, the crew members were left stranded in the bushes near Mokopane.

The Investigation Uncovers a Staged Crime

A lengthy probe by the Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VICU) revealed that the hijacking was actually staged by the truck driver in collaboration with others.

“Further investigations showed that the stolen liquor was transported to a business along the N1 North freeway, outside Polokwane,” said Thakeng.

The suspects then abandoned the trailer in Sengatane, near Seshego, before reporting a false hijacking to the Gilead police station.

To compensate the driver and his crew for their role, they were allegedly paid R300,000 in cash.

Arrests and Court Proceedings

Following the investigation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Khomisani William Nkuna, the suspects were identified, traced, and arrested on Friday.

During their court appearance on Monday, the three accused were granted R2,000 bail each, and the case was postponed to May 19 for further investigations.

The fourth suspect initially linked to the crime had their case withdrawn.

Meanwhile, the police have confiscated the truck and two trailers as part of the ongoing investigation.

Possible Additional Charges

As the case unfolds, authorities expect additional charges to be added.

• Maphepha and Khubayi are charged with truck hijacking and theft.

• Ledwaba faces charges of theft and perjury.

“The court proceedings are ongoing, and additional charges may be brought against them as the case progresses,” Thakeng confirmed.

Limpopo Police Commissioner Commends Investigation

Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit for their meticulous work in bringing the suspects to justice.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to combat organized crime and warn criminals that they can never outsmart our skilled detectives,” said Hadebe.

Broader Crime Concerns in Limpopo

The arrests come just weeks after another shocking case in the province.

Last month, a 44-year-old Gauteng police officer was arrested in Limpopo after being found in possession of nyaope drugs and a suspected stolen vehicle.

The officer was intercepted while driving along the N1 South freeway, outside Polokwane.

Crime and Corruption in the Transport Industry

The staged hijacking case highlights the ongoing challenge of organized crime within South Africa’s transport and logistics sector.

Stolen goods, hijacked trucks, and collusion between criminals and insiders continue to pose significant risks to businesses, transport companies, and law enforcement agencies.

With authorities clamping down on such crimes, cases like these serve as a warning to criminals attempting to exploit loopholes for financial gain.

The three accused will return to court on May 19, where the next phase of the investigation will determine whether more suspects could be arrested and additional charges brought forward.