Tebogo Msimanga |
Gauteng Law Enforcement Agencies arrested a man suspected to be behind the theft and hijacking of high-caliber vehicles that are taken to neighbouring countries. The suspect, who is a foreign national, was found with suspected stolen vehicles that include a Ford Ranger, Mercedes Benz C Class and a Toyota Fortuner GD-6.
Gauteng Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said on 02 February 2023, police received information that the suspect will be at one of the shopping malls in Johannesburg, where he usually operates.
“The team kept close observation and spotted the suspect arriving at a shopping mall, driving a Grey Mercedes Benz that he parked in the basement. He then went to a White Ford Ranger that was also parked in the basement and drove off with it.”
Masondo said the team pounced on the suspect as he was about to exit the mall. Preliminary investigation revealed that the Ford Ranger was robbed from the owner in Alexandra and that the Mercedes Benz was hijacked in the Moffatview area.
He added that further investigation led the team to the suspect’s place of residence where a white Toyota Fortuner that was tampered with, was recovered. Multiple vehicle registration documents and passports were also seized.
The suspect is expected to appear at Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 06 February 2023. More suspects might be arrested pending further investigation.
