TWO cigarette delivery workers were released unharmed after their vehicle was ambushed in Brooklyn and they were forced to hand over their goods before being kidnapped.
A 54-year-old driver and his assistant were in the area on Thursday morning when they were accosted by six armed suspects travelling in quantum minibus taxi who loaded their goods, and the duo, in their vehicle and fled the scene.
Police say the men were later dropped off in the Milnerton and were able to alert authorities.
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said the incident occurred shortly after 11am.
“Maitland police opened cases of armed robbery and kidnapping after an incident on Thursday at about 11.10am at Justin Road, Brooklyn where six armed suspects jumped out of a white quantum bus threatening the driver and assistant, and robbed a cigarettes truck of an undisclosed amount of cigarettes,” he said.
“The unknown suspects fled the area and are yet to be arrested. Later, the complainant flagged down a police vehicle and reported the incident.
“Cape Town Organised Crime Investigations will investigate the case,” he said.
Van Wyk said the victims were then taken back to the crime scene where experts and detectives combed the area for clues.
Three months ago Philippi police arrested three cigarette delivery robbers in Hanover Park.
During the incident, police heard gunshots in the vicinity and responded. The officers arrived while the trio was in the process of robbing a cigarette delivery van and apprehended the suspects before they could flee the scene.
Boxes of various tobacco brands with an estimated value of R500 000 were stolen by residents during the commotion which resulted in the arrest of two people during patrols who were found in possession of suspected stolen property.
Police have requested anyone with information on the Brooklyn incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.