Kwa-Thema man gets 15 years after hijacking, stolen phone leads to arrest

Kwa-Thema – A Kwa-Thema man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a hijacking incident that took place on December 10, 2023, where a victim was hijacked, kidnapped, and robbed of his vehicle and personal belongings.

During the ordeal, the suspects accessed the victim’s bank accounts using his stolen cellphone and drained his funds. The victim was later dropped off in Tsakani, where a case of hijacking and kidnapping was opened for investigation.

In January 2024, a breakthrough came when the victim’s uncle, who is also a police official, tracked the stolen cellphone to an address in Kwa-Thema. He immediately alerted the investigating officer, Sergeant Nkatho Raseboka from the Kwa-Thema Trio Task Team.

Upon arrival at the residence, officers introduced themselves and used a tracking app to call the stolen phone. When it rang, they arrested the current holder for possession of suspected stolen property.

The suspect claimed to have bought the phone from an acquaintance on the same night of the hijacking. Following this lead, further investigation led to the arrest of Simpiwe Moepye, who was positively identified as the individual who sold the phone.
Moepye was arrested and charged.

He was later sentenced to 15 years for hijacking (robbery with aggravating circumstances) and five years for the sale of stolen property. The sentences will run concurrently.

Kwa-Thema station commander, Colonel Nhlanhla Kunene, commended the dedication of the investigating officer and the victim’s uncle for their persistence in solving the case.

He urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of suspects and warned strongly against buying suspected stolen property, noting that doing so could result in arrest and possible imprisonment.