Flying squad members rescue hijack victim, arrest a suspect and recover two hijacked vehicles within one hour

Management of police in Gauteng has commended members of the Soweto Flying Squad for their vigilance, following the recovery of two hijacked vehicles, an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, and the swift arrest of a 31-year old male suspect.

This morning between 08:00 and 09:00, two Soweto Flying Squad members were on patrol on the Golden Highway when they spotted a suspicious white Mercedes Benz facing oncoming traffic. Members followed the vehicle which at that time allegedly picked up speed and drove recklessly, eventually crashing near the Civic Centre in Lenasia South, where police arrested one armed suspect who shot at the police, while the second suspect fled.

Police found inside the vehicle, a man who reported that he had earlier been hijacked by the same suspects at his place of residence in Ridgeway. The man’s car was later recovered in Eldorado Park.

On further investigation, police were able to establish that the white Mercedes Benz had also been hijacked as per case opened at Mondeor. No injuries were reported.

A case of possession of stolen motor vehicle, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and attempted murder will be opened at Lenasia South for further investigation.

This commendable success comes in the wake of the recently appointed Provincial Commissioner’s articulation of his priorities, which includes bringing down serious and violent crimes in Gauteng. Lieutenant General Elias Mawela expressed that, “the removal of illegal firearms from the hands of criminals will bring police closer to realising the goal of reducing trio crimes and serious and violent crime. This, is what will ultimately lead to public confidence in the police being restored.”