Four members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) and two undocumented immigrants were arrested by the Bekkersdal Police on October 17.

In a statement, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, addressed concerns raised by the City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety about the alleged unlawful arrest of the five JMPD TRU members.

The statement claims that Bekkersdal police officers arrived unannounced and arrested the TRU officials on unfounded and fabricated charges, calling for the provincial commissioner’s intervention.

Mthombeni confirmed that the six suspects appeared in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on charges including attempted theft, malicious damage to property, trespassing, defeating the ends of justice and contravening the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.

He said he was satisfied the police acted within the bounds of the law after consulting with the District Commissioner.

Mthombeni explained that police responded promptly after being called to the scene of a community rally opposing a TRU raid.

“The rapid response by officers stemmed from a perceived threat in the West Rand policing jurisdiction. The district has recently seen an increase in house robberies and vehicle hijackings reportedly committed by suspects impersonating traffic and metro police officers using vehicles fitted with blue lights,” he said.

“The district remains on high alert, with increased police visibility. During station and district meetings, the community was informed of the threat and advised to remain vigilant,” he added.

According to Mthombeni, collaboration between the police, community organisations – including community policing forums and patrols – and private security companies has led to the arrest of 42 suspects and the recovery of 40 stolen or hijacked vehicles. These arrests, made between July and September, involved cases of hijacking and house robbery and form part of Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears initiative.

Mthombeni thanked the community for its co-operation with law enforcement, emphasising the importance of working together to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, and ensure the safety of residents and their property.

He also urged the public to report any criminal activity to the nearest police station, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit tips via the MySAPS app.