SEDIBENG – Police have smashed an alleged car and truck hijacking syndicate after a dramatic shootout on the N1 near Rietfontein plot, close to Drieziek Ext 4 in Orange Farm, on Tuesday morning (August 25).

Seventeen suspects were arrested during the operation at about 09:00 after Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence and the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit received information about a truck allegedly being targeted for hijacking.

According to Orange Farm police spokesperson Sergeant Shaan Motsapi, the suspects had allegedly been camping at a plot in the Rietfontein area when police moved in to intercept them.

“The suspects opened fire as officers approached, prompting the police to retaliate,” said Motsapi.

Four suspects were wounded in the shootout and rushed to hospital, where they remain under police guard.

Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, four pistols, five vehicles and a signal-jamming device during the operation.

Traffic police uniforms, reflector jackets, a cutting-grinder machine, balaclavas and gloves were also seized.

Motsapi said three of the 17 arrested suspects are foreign nationals.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of a signal-jamming device and impersonating a police officer.

Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho applauded the operation, saying the arrests demonstrated the success of proactive policing led by Crime Intelligence and the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit.

Mukwevho reiterated that police would continue working to protect law-abiding communities and motorists from hijacking syndicates.

She also thanked the officers involved in the operation for their efforts in disrupting the alleged criminal network.