KEY POINTS
- Johannesburg Metro Police rescued an Uber driver who was hijacked and locked in his car boot in Alexandra.
- Officers tracked the stolen vehicle’s coordinates and arrested a suspect after a foot chase.
- The suspect was found with the car keys, and police are now searching for two additional perpetrators.
A dramatic police operation unfolded in Alexandra where operatives from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) rescued an Uber driver who had been hijacked at gunpoint and locked in the boot of his own car.
The swift response came after the vehicle’s owner reported it missing, allowing officers to track its coordinates to a stationary location in the area.
Upon arriving at the scene, JMPD officers spotted a man exiting the targeted vehicle. However, as they approached, the suspect attempted to flee, prompting a chase through the township.
Officers swiftly apprehended him and, during questioning, were startled by screams and knocking sounds coming from the car’s boot.
Suspect Found With Vehicle Keys, Victim Identifies Him
Upon opening the boot, officers discovered the terrified Uber driver, who had been forcibly locked inside. He quickly identified the arrested suspect as one of the three men who had hijacked him at gunpoint.
The police also found the vehicle’s keys in the suspect’s possession, further implicating him in the crime.
JMPD confirmed that the suspect was immediately arrested and charged with kidnapping and hijacking, before being taken into custody at the Alexandra South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
Authorities have since launched an investigation to track down the remaining two suspects involved in the hijacking. JMPD officials have urged ride-hailing drivers to remain vigilant, particularly in high-risk areas where criminals have been known to target them.
Johannesburg continues to grapple with high crime rates, with recent statistics highlighting alarming trends in violent crimes, hijackings, and robberies. The city, often referred to as South Africa’s economic hub, has seen an increase in organized crime, house break-ins, and car thefts, particularly in densely populated areas.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and SAPS, have intensified efforts to curb criminal activities through increased patrols and intelligence-led operations. However, residents remain concerned about police inefficiency and slow response times, urging authorities to implement more effective crime prevention strategies and community policing initiatives.
