Hijacked truck driver rescued in KZN after ransom demand; suspect arrested

Truck driver rescued in Glencoe after ransom demand; suspect in custody

A truck driver who was hijacked and kidnapped along the R68 Dundee‑Nquthu Road in KwaZulu‑Natal has been rescued, police said. The rescue followed a ransom demand and a police operation that led to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of the vehicle.

Attack on the road

According to police, the truck driver and his assistant were driving on the R68 Dundee‑Nquthu Road when they were accosted by an unknown number of suspects travelling in a red sedan. The suspects reportedly fired shots at the truck, forcing it to stop.

The assistant managed to flee, while the truck driver was forced into the suspects’ vehicle. One of the suspects then drove the truck for about one kilometre before abandoning it on the side of the road.

Ransom demand and rescue

While at the scene, the truck owner contacted police and said the suspects had demanded a R100,000 ransom for the victim’s release. Police said they operationalised the information and the victim was rescued in Glencoe a few hours after he was kidnapped.

Arrest and ongoing manhunt

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a 57‑year‑old suspect was arrested and the vehicle used in the crime was recovered. A manhunt is underway for the remaining suspects, and the arrested man will appear in court soon.

Related incident this week

Earlier in the week, police said a suspect allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a Pakistani businessman in Hluhluwe was killed in a shootout at Empangeni on 9 May 2026. Police said the businessman had been kidnapped on the morning of 6 May 2026 and a R200,000 ransom was demanded; R90,000 was later paid and the victim released. TRT officers confronted suspects the next day and one suspect was fatally wounded at the scene, while others fled, according to Netshiunda.

What this means for Johannesburg readers

While the incidents occurred in KwaZulu‑Natal, they underline the continued risks to drivers and freight operators nationally. Johannesburg logistics companies and drivers should remain alert to vehicle hijackings, ransom threats and share information with local police where relevant.

Notes

The reporting in this article is based on statements from the South African Police Service as published by The Citizen.