Specialist team swoops on suspected hijacking syndicate
The suspects can be linked to hijackings in three provinces.
Four suspects, possibly linked to a hijacking syndicate, were arrested on February 12 in Wattville when specialist teams swooped on their operation.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for the Gauteng provincial commissioner, police received information on the day of the blitz that the suspects were in possession of hijacked vehicles.
“Acting on the tip-off, a team consisting of members of Highway Patrol, JMPD K9, EMPD Special Task Team, RTMC and Guerilla Tactical Services unites were mobilised,” said Masondo.
“Upon arrival, officers found three men attempting to remove a tracking device from a Renault Kwid.
“The vehicle was reported as hijacked in Vosman, Mpumalanga, earlier this month. The owner was shot during the incident and later died in hospital.”
Further investigations led to the discovery of a white Chevrolet utility bakkie, which had been reported as hijacked in Jane Furse, Limpopo, in 2021.
“While on the scene, a fourth suspect arrived, driving a white VW Caddy,” he said.
“It had been reported as hijacked in Norkem Park, last year.”
Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela praised the team of law enforcement agencies for working together to successfully bring these criminals to book. The suspects will appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court soon.
ALSO READ: Be alert — drive-thru hijackings on the up
ALSO READ: FOLLOW-UP: Hijacked car recovered in Northmead attempted to evade police
