Update: Metro officers and 11 others appear in court
All 13 suspects are facing a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The 13 suspects, including two metro police officers (from Tshwane and Johannesburg) arrested on the N12 highway near Kingsway Road for truck hijacking on August 19, briefly appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on August 22.
They each face a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Their arrest comes after the police received a tip-off about a truck hijacking on the N12.
A team comprising members from the Provincial Serious and Violence Crimes, Tactical Response Team, Middelburg Flying Squad, Johannesburg K9, CAP Specialised Unit and Fidelity Specialised Services strategically placed themselves on the N12.
When the officers spotted the truck, they executed an operational takedown, leading to the arrest of the 13 suspects.
According to Lumka Mahanjana NPA regional spokesperson, in addition to the charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances, five suspects are facing a further charge of possession of jamming devices, stolen property and contravention of the police act.
Two other suspects are facing an additional charge of possession of stolen property and possession of a firearm, respectively.
The court postponed the matter to August 29 for verification of addresses and a possible bail application.
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