Members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) K9 and Undercover Reaction units on Monday arrested a 29-year-old man who was in possession of a hijacked white Volkswagen Polo in Dobsonville, Soweto.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officers received information from Crime Intelligence of an off-duty SAPS member who was hijacked in Randfontein.

“The information also indicated that the suspects were on their way to sell the vehicle in Meadowlands.”

According to Fihla, the information was operationalised and the team was strategically placed at Impala Road in Dobsonville Gardens to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

The hijacked vehicle was later spotted with one occupant inside. “The operational team followed the hijacked vehicle and attempted to stop it, but the suspect sped off in an attempt to evade an arrest. A high-speed chase ensued and the suspect was cornered at the intersection of Mohajane Street and Steve Kgame Drive in Dobsonville Ext 4.”

The suspect attempted to flee on foot and officers gave chase. The suspect was eventually apprehended and, when searched, a PX4 pistol and the victim’s cellphone were found in his possession.

The officers conducted an inquiry into the firearm and they discovered that it belonged to the Gauteng Department of Community Safety and that it was not reported stolen.

“The suspect was questioned about the firearm. He informed the officers that it is his service firearm and that he is employed by the Gauteng Traffic Police. The suspect’s appointment card and firearm permit were also found in his possession.”

The hijacked vehicle was searched and a used ammunition cartridge case was found. “All role players were called to process the scene.”

The suspect was arrested and a docket was opened at Dobsonville SAPS for further investigation. The suspect was detained at the Meadowlands SAPS holding cells.

The hijacked vehicle was seized and booked in at the SAPS Lenasia pound. All the other exhibits which include the firearm, used cartridge and the victim’s cellphone, were booked in at Dobsonville SAPS.