Hijacked Municipality grader recovered in Soshanguve

A grader belonging to the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality in Limpopo was hijacked on Thursday morning, and an employee was assaulted during a service delivery operation in Dennilton. The incident occurred at approximately 11:40.

According to the employee, unidentified suspects, who were heavily armed, approached him during the operation, physically assaulted him, and forcibly took control of the grader.

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The stolen grader was later recovered at around 21:44 the same day, abandoned in Khalabatla, Soshanguve, Gauteng.

The municipality confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine how the grader was transported and to identify the suspects. No arrests have been made at this stage.

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The incident has raised serious concern within the municipality, particularly due to the brazen nature of the attack on a public servant and critical municipal infrastructure.

“We strongly condemn this shocking and violent attack on our employee and municipal property,” said Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality Mayor David Tladi.

“This grader belongs to the community and plays a vital role in delivering services that benefit everyone.

“We urge members of the public to report any suspicious activity. We also call on law enforcement to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”