Johannesburg Central police arrested two suspects between the ages of 24 and 32 for car hijacking on the corner of Queen and Carr streets on 31 October at 4am.
According to the spokesperson for Johannesburg Central Police Station, Captain Xoli Mbele, it is alleged that five suspects hijacked a white Ford Laser belonging to a 40-year old man.
Mbele said the victim was on his way to work when he took the off-ramp on Carr Street and saw two trolleys blocking his way.
“When he stopped his vehicle, five men [posing as trolley pushers] approached him and one of them pointed a firearm [at the victim],” Mbele explained.
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He added that the suspects took the victim’s wallet and his clothes, after they allegedly ordered him to undress, and as they tried to flee with his car, the suspects allegedly drove into the wall of Bekezela College.
“Community members came out and apprehended two suspects. Three are still at large with a firearm and the victim’s belongings,” Mbele said.
The spokesperson also highlighted that the suspects were badly assaulted by the community before police came to their rescue.
The suspects were taken to hospital under police guard. Mbele has appealed to community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands as it is a crime to assault an apprehended suspect. “Working together [with] the community and the police can subdue the escalation of crime in our policing precinct,” Mbele added.
He said an investigation is underway and the two suspects will soon appear in Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.
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