Police intercepted the suspects shortly after the hijacking in Sebenza
Key Points
- Five suspects arrested for hijacking a solar battery truck in Sebenza.
- Suspects disguised themselves in EMPD and SAPS uniforms.
- Police recovered the truck and rescued the kidnapped driver.
Suspects caught in uniform after truck hijack
Gauteng police arrested five suspects on Wednesday after they allegedly hijacked a truck on R25 Modderfontein Road in Sebenza while dressed in official police and metro uniforms. The group wore Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and South African Police Service (SAPS) gear to deceive their target.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said that counter-intelligence received a tip-off about a truck hijacking syndicate operating in the area. Acting on the lead, the SAPS Tactical Response Team coordinated with multiple units, including the Anti-Gang Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Gauteng Tracking Team, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, and Tracker Connect.
Masondo revealed that officers intercepted the suspects immediately after they hijacked a truck carrying solar batteries worth around R5 million. The suspects had also kidnapped the truck driver during the attack.
“Two of the suspects were found wearing EMPD uniforms and the other two wore SAPS reflector jackets. The team also rescued the truck driver and recovered the hijacked truck,” Masondo said.
Teamwork leads to swift recovery and arrests
Officers arrested all five men, aged between 50 and 69, at the scene. They recovered the stolen truck and freed the driver unharmed. Police also impounded two vehicles used in the crime — a Hyundai Accent and a Hyundai iX35.
The suspects face several charges, including truck hijacking, kidnapping, possession of suspected stolen property, and impersonating police officers. Police believe the arrest could help solve similar cases involving criminals posing as law enforcement.
Commissioner praises collaboration with private security
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the officers and thanked private security collaborators.
“This is a great breakthrough as it might help us solve other cases of truck hijackings, especially where the suspects pose as police officers. This arrest is attributed to an ongoing collaboration between the police and private security companies. I would like to thank all those who were part of this successful arrest,” said Mthombeni.
Police continue to investigate the suspects’ possible involvement in other regional hijackings.
