Police Nab Trio Linked To Pretoria Car Hijackings
Gauteng Police have arrested three men suspected of being responsible for a series of car hijackings in Pretoria. The trio were apprehended on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, in Pretoria Central after being found in possession of a firearm and a VW Golf GTI that was recently reported hijacked in Hillbrow.
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, Gauteng Police spokesperson, stated that information was received about suspects involved in multiple car hijackings in Pretoria and surrounding areas. A collaborative effort by law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS Highway Patrol Unit, Tracker Connect, Cap Specialised Operations, and the Insurance Crime Bureau (ICB), led to a search for the suspects. A suspicious vehicle with three occupants was spotted in Pretoria Central. Upon stopping and searching the vehicle, officers found a firearm and a large amount of ammunition. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was reported hijacked in Hillbrow and had false registration plates.
The suspects are believed to be employed by a security company based in Pretoria. Further investigation is underway. The trio are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court facing charges of possession of a hijacked vehicle.
Recent Incidents Highlight Rising Car Hijacking Concerns in Gauteng
This arrest comes amid growing concerns over car hijackings in Gauteng. In a separate incident on 29 October 2024, a motorist shot and killed three alleged hijackers at the Diepkloof Interchange on the N1 North. The driver, who was reportedly a security instructor, was approached by suspects posing as police officers. When threatened, he drew his firearm and fatally shot three of the attackers. Gauteng police are investigating cases of murder, attempted murder, and attempted hijacking related to this incident.
In another operation in October 2022, Gauteng police arrested three suspects involved in hijacking and theft of high-end motor vehicles. The operation led to the recovery of luxury cars, signal jammers, relay attack devices, and other equipment used in vehicle thefts. The suspects were apprehended in Roodekop and linked to multiple hijacking cases in the province.
