Five suspects were arrested in Houghton at former President Nelson Mandela’s previously owned property for possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit officers, on January 8, received information from a vehicle tracking company regarding the location of a white Toyota Corolla that was hijacked along Louis Botha Avenue in Oaklands.

JMPD’s spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla explained: “Acting on this information, officers proceeded to a residence in Houghton, previously owned by former President Nelson Mandela. Upon entering the property, officers recovered the hijacked vehicle and apprehended five individuals, four males and one female.”

A subsequent search of the premises resulted in the recovery of one unlicensed firearm.

Fihla added that preliminary information suggested that the female occupant was renting the property and was acquainted with the four male suspects. It is alleged that one of the male suspects is a Mandela grandchild.

All five suspects have been arrested and are being detained at Norwood SAPS. They will be facing charges of possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The spokesperson confirmed that the victim of the hijacking was safe and unharmed.

Norwood police will send through information shortly.