READ: Truck Hijacking and Driver kidnapping Spark ransom crisis on N4.

Panorama, Mpumalanga – A brazen truck hijacking along the N4 near Panorama, Mpumalanga, has escalated into a dire kidnapping situation, with criminals demanding R150,000 to spare the life of the abducted driver. The incident, which unfolded around 12:07 on April 27, 2025, has left authorities scrambling to locate the missing driver and recover the stolen vehicle.

The hijacked vehicle, a white 2020 Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645 bearing the registration HVV352FS, was towing a GRW silver tri-axle resin tanker trailer (CL 08 NJ ZN) and a pup trailer (CL 08 PN ZN), both marked with LBH branding. According to reports, the truck’s tracking system was disabled shortly before the owner received a chilling ransom demand sent from the driver’s cellphone. The message warned that failure to pay R150,000 would result in the driver’s death. No further contact details were provided by the perpetrators, deepening the uncertainty surrounding the driver’s fate.

The last known location of the truck was near Panorama on the N4, a busy route frequently targeted by organized crime syndicates. Sources indicate that the hijacking may be part of a broader wave of similar incidents plaguing South Africa’s transport industry. For instance, recent reports highlight a separate truck hijacking in Gauteng on April 23, 2025, where five suspects, some posing as law enforcement officers, were apprehended after targeting a truck on the R25 Modderfontein Road. While that case ended with the driver’s rescue, the Mpumalanga incident remains unresolved, heightening fears for the driver’s safety.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) urging the public to assist by providing any information about the truck or the driver. “We are treating this matter with the utmost urgency,” said a police spokesperson. “The public is advised not to approach the suspects, as they may be armed and dangerous, but to report any sightings to the nearest police station immediately.” Individuals with information are also encouraged to contact Danie Day at 083 7788 560.

The incident underscores the growing menace of truck hijackings in South Africa, a crime that has surged in recent years. Industry experts point to the high value of cargo and the relative ease of targeting heavy vehicles on major highways as key factors driving this trend. In 2022, a report noted a 19% increase in carjackings and truck hijackings, with criminals often employing sophisticated tactics, including impersonating law enforcement or using high-powered vehicles to overpower drivers. The N4, a critical artery for freight transport, has become a hotspot for such attacks, leaving trucking companies and drivers on edge.

For the truck owner, the ordeal is both a financial and emotional nightmare. The loss of a valuable vehicle and cargo is compounded by the harrowing uncertainty over the driver’s wellbeing. “This is not just about the truck—it’s about a human life,” said a source close to the investigation. The driver’s identity has not been disclosed pending further developments.

As the investigation continues, the Mpumalanga community and the broader transport sector are left grappling with the stark reality of rising crime on South Africa’s roads. Authorities are under pressure to deliver swift results, not only to secure the driver’s safe return but also to deter future attacks. For now, the search for answers—and the missing driver—continues.