KEY POINTS
- Two suspects linked to over 30 hijackings on the N3 highway were arrested after a high-speed chase and shoot-out with police. The gang posed as officers, using fake uniforms and blue lights to deceive motorists.
- The operation recovered critical evidence, including unlicensed firearms, a signal jammer, and police insignia, highlighting the gang’s sophisticated methods.
- Authorities are urging motorists to remain vigilant, particularly on the R23 between Heidelberg and Balfour, where hijacking incidents have surged, and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer.
In a significant breakthrough, two suspects linked to more than 30 hijackings on the N3 highway between Villiers and the De Hoek Toll Gate have been arrested following a high-stakes operation by a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement agencies.
The suspects, who allegedly posed as police officers to deceive and hijack unsuspecting motorists, were caught in the act on N3 during a dramatic high-speed chase and shootout.
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the suspects used a sophisticated and dangerous method to carry out their crimes on N3. “The suspects would disguise themselves as police officers, using a vehicle fitted with blue lights and sirens to pull over and hijack unsuspecting motorists,” she said.
Timeslive reports that this tactic allowed them to exploit the trust of drivers, who believed they were being stopped by legitimate law enforcement.
The operation, which involved SAPS counter-intelligence, the Gauteng tactical response team, the SAPS anti-gang unit, the Gauteng traffic police air wing, and private security firms such as Tracker Connect and M&Z Werke Security, was launched after weeks of intelligence gathering.
“The team operationalised intelligence gathered and caught the suspects in the act while they were hijacking a Toyota Land Cruiser,” Nevhuhulwi explained.
A dramatic chase and shoot-out
The arrest was anything but routine. A high-speed chase ensued after the suspects were spotted, culminating in a shoot-out between the suspects and the police.
“One of the suspects was shot and wounded, while the other was arrested without injuries. Two victims were rescued unharmed after being held hostage inside the suspect vehicle,” Nevhuhulwi added. The operation also led to the recovery of critical evidence, including two unlicensed firearms with ammunition, a military-grade signal jammer, SAPS insignia and uniforms, blue lights, sirens, and false registration numbers.
The suspects are believed to be part of a larger syndicate responsible for a spate of hijackings along the N3, one of South Africa’s busiest highways. “The suspects are linked to more than 30 hijackings on the N3 and are expected to appear in the Balfour magistrate’s court,” Nevhuhulwi confirmed.
The arrests come amid a worrying increase in hijackings and related crimes on major highways, particularly the N3 and the R23 between Heidelberg and Balfour.
According to Arrive Alive, these gangs often operate between 6pm and 10pm, using stolen or counterfeit police uniforms and blue lights to deceive motorists.
“Once the individual heeds the command of the ‘police officer’ and pulls over, the gang typically approaches from behind using flashing blue lights to mimic real police stops. The victims are then robbed, hijacked, assaulted, or in extreme cases, kidnapped,” the organization warned.
One recent incident on March 12 involved a traveller from Standerton who was targeted just after the Balfour circle. Mistaking the gang’s blue lights for an official police stop, the victim pulled over and was forcibly removed from his vehicle. The assailants dragged him into a nearby field, restrained him, and stole his car.
As the suspects face charges for their alleged crimes, law enforcement officials are urging motorists to remain vigilant, especially when driving in high-risk areas. “Motorists should exercise caution when travelling on the R23 between Heidelberg and Balfour, where hijacking incidents have increased,” Nevhuhulwi advised.
Authorities have also emphasized the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer, particularly during nighttime stops.
The arrests have been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against organized crime, but they also underscore the need for continued efforts to improve highway safety. “This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private security firms. However, we must remain proactive in addressing the root causes of these crimes,” said a senior police official involved in the operation.
