By Kaya 959 Reporter
Police have arrested seven suspects who are believed to be behind a string of attacks on courier vans.
Officers nabbed the suspects during a string operation on the N3. Police recovered a hijacked vehicle during the operation on Monday.
A multidisciplinary task team made up of SAPS, specialised units and private security companies carried out the sting. They received information that the suspects were travelling on the N3 highway.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Bonnie Nxumalo, says the team proceeded to the highway.
They discovered that the suspects had allegedly hijacked a Toyota Quantum in Germiston.
“The hijacked vehicle was spotted on the N3 in Alberton near the Heidelberg off-ramp, escorted by two vehicles. All vehicles were intercepted and the team rescued the minibus taxi driver and his passenger who were allegedly held hostage,” she says.
READ: Top 5 hijacking hotspots in Gauteng
Suspects linked to other crimes
Police apprehended seven suspects, aged between 28 and 50. An investigation has linked a VW Polo to a robbery case where suspects robbed a courier van in Mondeor. The incident occurred during the month of October 2021.
Police have charged all suspects with carjacking, possession of suspected stolen property, and kidnapping.
They will appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.
Investigation to link the suspects to other robberies continues.
In a separate incident, Gauteng police arrested a 32-year-old man for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Captain Xoli Mbele says police were on patrol when they heard gunshots at the intersection of Bree and Polly streets
“They rushed in that direction and they saw a male hiding something in his pants. They searched him and recovered a firearm and live ammunition. He failed to produce a license to possess a firearm,” Mbele says.
Police have charged the man for discharging a firearm in a municipal area.
“An investigation is underway and the suspect will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.”



