Five suspects believed to be linked to a series of hijackings across Gauteng, North West and neighbouring provinces have been arrested after their vehicle was spotted travelling towards Krugersdorp on the N14 highway.

Gauteng Department of Safety spokesperson Ofentse Morame said the arrests followed a coordinated operation involving the SAPS North West Crime Intelligence Provincial Overt Team, SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team (TRT), Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, Community Active Protection (CAP) Specialised Operations and Tracker Connect.

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According to Morame, information received by law enforcement indicated that the suspects were using a Toyota Urban Cruiser to carry out hijackings in multiple areas.

On August 4, the suspects allegedly hijacked a Toyota Hilux in Potchefstroom, North West. During the incident, the driver was taken hostage before being released in Soweto. The victim was also robbed of his firearm.

On August 6, intelligence led officers to the Hartbeespoort area in North West after information suggested that the suspects were planning to commit further crimes. The suspect vehicle was later spotted travelling on the N14 highway towards Krugersdorp.

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“A coordinated operational plan was immediately executed, resulting in the vehicle being contained and all five occupants being arrested. During the operation, officers recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the recovered firearm was the same one stolen from the victim during the Potchefstroom hijacking,” said Morame.

She added that additional unlicensed ammunition, reflective vests and other exhibits were also seized.

Morame said investigations are continuing to determine the suspects’ possible involvement in other hijacking cases across Gauteng, North West and neighbouring provinces.