A police van was hijacked on the R75 in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The police had arrived at a reported car accident when it was taken.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said a suspect fled in a police vehicle after tricking officers.
“According to police reports, Jansenville police responded to a motor vehicle accident on the R75 Road.
“Upon arrival, officers parked their vehicle alongside the road and left the engine idling as per standard procedure to maintain flashing blue lights for safety.
“At the scene, members encountered a VW Polo Vivo in nearby bushes.
“A male driver approached them and said another person was trapped inside the vehicle.
“As officers moved towards the vehicle to investigate, the driver seized the opportunity to enter the unattended police vehicle and fled the scene.
“Subsequent inspection confirmed no-one else was in the Polo Vivo."
Gantana said the stolen police vehicle was recovered abandoned hours later in Motherwell.
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.