POLICE arrested a man who was recklessly driving and talking on his cell phone on the M1 North freeway in Joburg on Friday afternoon, 8 March.
Gauteng Police Spokesman said the suspect was arrested after the police stopped him and searched his car only to find an R5 rifle, and then he ran on foot.
“A hijacking suspect was taken to medical care centre under police guard after he was allegedly knocked down by a car while running away from the police on the M1 highway on Friday, 8 March 2024,” Masondo said.
“The police officers from Joburg Metro Police Department were driving on the M1 North when they noticed the driver of an Audi car talking on his cell phone and driving recklessly. The officers pulled off the driver. While searching the car, the officers found an R5 rifle. The suspect ran away towards the freeway, where he was allegedly knocked down by another car,” he said.
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Investigation revealed that the car driven by the suspect was reportedly hijacked in Free State Province recently.
Masondo said the suspect is under police guard, and he will be charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and a hijacked car.
“An investigation is underway to determine if the firearm was used in the commission of other crimes and whether the suspect was involved in other criminal activities,” Masondo said.
JMPD Spokesman Superintendent Xolan Fihla said traffic was flowing after 4pm.
