Courier hijack foiled in Motherwell as five arrested and cellphone recovered

Five men aged between 24 and 42 have been arrested in Motherwell, in the Eastern Cape, on charges of attempted hijacking, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, the South African Police Service says.

According to the police statement, Motherwell members were on duty in the KwaZakhele and Motherwell areas on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 when they received information about a shooting in Ncememe Street, Motherwell NU7.

Members responded and were told that occupants of a white Mazda 323 had allegedly attempted to hijack a courier vehicle. The suspects allegedly fired several shots at the courier vehicle as it drove away, leaving one passenger behind. That passenger was then robbed of a cellphone.

Police searched for the Mazda and spotted it in Tyityaba Street, Motherwell. They pursued and stopped the vehicle, where they allegedly found two gas pistols and ammunition.

Five men were arrested in connection with the alleged attempted hijacking, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The cellphone taken from the passenger was recovered and the vehicle was impounded.

All five suspects will appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court during the week.

The statement was issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Gqeberha. Enquiries are directed to Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg.

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71819