Yesterday, 30 May 2017, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) K9 Unit received information from the SAPS’s National Crime Intelligence Unit regarding a truck hijacking on the N1 South near Grasmere.
The JMPD K9 officers responded and intercepted the then hijacked truck escorted by 3 of the suspects’ vehicles on the N1 Grasmere off-ramp. The suspects, who were dressed in JMPD uniform, were traveling in unmarked vehicles – a white Volkswagen Polo, a silver Ford Ranger and a white BMW 1 series.
JMPD K9 officers succeeded in apprehending five suspects – suspects in both the BMW and Ford Ranger are still at large. Two of the apprehended suspects were also involved in the recent O.R Tambo International Airport heist and were released on bail.
The truck in question was transporting pharmaceutical goods worth approximately R2 million. All the apprehended suspects are being detained at the Lenasia South Police Station to face several charges including the possession of a hijacked vehicle and the possession of a signal jamming device.
I would like to congratulate the JMPD and the SAPS for their sterling work; our officers are making serious progress in the fight against crime.
As a City we have limited policing powers. It is therefore essential that we work with other institutions within the criminal justice system such as the SAPS and prosecuting authorities to ensure that justice is served and that criminals face the full might of the law.
The City’s JMPD will continue to work closely with the SAPS to keep our residents safe.