Flying squad arrests interrupt syndicate

Members of the Flying Squad arrested six suspects believed to be part of a truck hijacking syndicate in two separate incidents on June 7.

Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin said they arrested one suspect at 07:40 on the R554 Roodekop.

“Sergeant Jaco Powell and Constable Jean-Mare Eksteen were en route to the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court when a private investigator tracking a hijacked Volvo truck flagged them down to ask for assistance.

“The vehicle was tactically brought to a stop and positively identified as the sought truck, which had allegedly been hijacked earlier that morning on the R24 near Barbara Road by suspects wearing police uniforms.”

The BFS officers arrested a suspect (40) and recovered a 16-aerial signal jammer and JVC TVs worth more than R1m.

After this success, Johannesburg Flying Squad (JFS) members arrested five suspects travelling in a silver VW Polo and a white Toyota Corolla on the M2.

“While performing routine patrols on the N3 near Grey Avenue, Alberton, members witnessed the suspects attempting to hijack a truck,” said JFS communication officer Raymond Sambo.

“With the help of Johannesburg Crime Intelligence members, a chase ensued towards the M2, where the officers brought the suspects’ daring escape to an abrupt end.

“One of the vehicles was illegally fitted with a siren, while officers recovered police reflectors, a signal jamming device and a 9mm Glock. A link between the successful recovery of the hijacked Volvo truck and the suspects is under investigation.”

The five suspects face charges of impersonating a police officer, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and attempted armed robbery. The Roodekop suspect was charged with possession of a hijacked vehicle and stolen goods.

Anyone with more information about this hijacking syndicate is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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