KEY POINTS
- TMPD tactical unit recovers hijacked vehicles and arrests criminals.
- Officers seize illegal firearms, drugs, and ammunition during operations.
- Authorities promise to continue fighting crime in Tshwane.
According to Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, a spokesman for the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), members of the tactical squad have been assisting the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) crime intelligence unit in specific operations.
TMPD tactical unit cracks down on Pretoria West crime hotspots
The goal of the police operations, which concentrated on the dangerous Pretoria West neighborhood, was to find infamous criminals who threaten locals.
“On January 28, 2025, a tracking company called the tactical unit members to ask for help with a Toyota Hilux that had been hijacked in Themba, Hammanskraal,” Mahamba stated. “The driver was arrested by the officers for possessing a hijacked vehicle after they tracked the vehicle.”
Another man was caught for narcotics possession at his home during the operation.
“Unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and seven bags of crystal meth were discovered in the suspect’s possession,” Mahamba stated.
Drugs, firearms, and another hijacked Ford Ranger seized
With the help of a tracker firm, members of the tactical team discovered a Ford Ranger near East Lynne on February 3, 2025. In Koedoespoort, there had been reports of the car being hijacked.
When officers found that the engine of a Nissan NP200 bakkie had been tampered with, they also took the vehicle in for additional examination.
Mahamba stated that “the Tshwane Metro Police Department will continue to work hard to curb crime in Tshwane, working together with other law enforcement agencies.”
Officers were praised for their “continuous hard work and dedication” by TMPD Commissioner Yolanda Faro.
IOL revealed last month that a white Toyota Fortuner that had been stolen in Garsfontein, Pretoria East, was found by the TMPD tactical team in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria.
“On Friday, January 24, 2025, the members responded to a call regarding a Toyota Fortuner that had been stolen in Garsfontein, Pretoria East,” Mahamba stated. “They located the car abandoned on Mokhukhu Street after pursuing it to Atteridgeville and working with a vehicle tracker company.”
At the scene, no suspects were discovered.
Members of the TMPD tactical unit also retrieved a hijacked car that had been abandoned in Mamelodi East.
