JOBURG Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) K9 and Undercover Reaction Unit arrested a 29-year-old male suspect in possession of a hijacked white Volkswagen Polo in Dobsonville, Soweto.
The suspect is a member of the Gauteng traffic police.
JMPD spokesman, Xolani Fihla, said on Monday morning, 31 October, officers received information from Crime Intelligence of an off-duty South African Police Service member who was hijacked in Randfontein, and the received information also indicated that the suspects were on their way to sell the vehicle in Meadowlands, Soweto.
According to Fihla, the information was operationalised and the team strategically placed on Impala Road in Dobsonville Gardens to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
“While waiting, the hijacked vehicle was spotted with one occupant inside. The operational team followed the hijacked vehicle and attempted to stop it, using blue lights and sirens. The suspect sped off to evade arrest,” he said.
“A high-speed chase ensued, and the suspect was cornered at the intersection of Mohajane Street and Steve Kgame Drive in Dobsonville Extension 4.”
Fihla said the suspect attempted to flee on foot and officers gave chase. The suspect was apprehended and found in possession of a PX4 pistol and the victim’s cellphone.
After the officers conducted an inquiry into the firearm, they discovered that it belonged to the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, and it was not reported stolen.
“The suspect was questioned about the firearm. He informed the officers that it is his service firearm, and he is employed by the Gauteng traffic police. The his 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,” Fihla explained.
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He said the suspect was arrested and a docket was opened at Dobsonville Police Station for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the suspect was detained at the Meadowlands Police Station 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.”
