Cape Town – Following a high-speed chase a Gauteng traffic officer was reportedly arrested in Dobsonville, Soweto, after being found in possession of a hijacked vehicle on Monday.
Investigations revealed that the 29-year-old traffic officer was on his way to sell the hijacked Volkswagen Polo, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) said in a statement.
JMPD officer received information from crime intelligence about an off-duty police officer who was hijacked in Randfontein, said JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla.
“The information also indicated that the suspects were on their way to sell the vehicle in Meadowlands.
“The information was operationalised and the team was strategically placed at Impala Road in Dobsonville Gardens to be on the lookout for the vehicle,” said Fihla.
The hijacked vehicle with one occupant was spotted, and the operational team followed and tried to stop the vehicle using blue light and sirens.
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However, the suspects sped off and a high-speed chase ensued. The suspect was cornered at the intersection of Mohajane Street and Steve Kgame Drive.
“The suspect attempted to flee on foot and officers gave chase. The suspect was eventually apprehended and when searched a PX4 pistol and the victim’s cellphone were found in his possession,” he said.
Upon further investigation into the firearm, police discovered that it belonged to the Gauteng department of community safety and was not reported stolen.
The suspect informed the police it was his service firearm and that he was employed by the Gauteng traffic police.
“The suspect’s appointment card and firearm permit were also found in his possession.
“The hijacked vehicle was searched and a used ammunition cartridge case was found.” said Fihla.
The suspect was arrested and a case was opened at Dobsonville police station for further investigation.
Fihla said the hijacked vehicle was seized and other exhibits were booked in at Dobsonville SAPS.
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Picture: Twitter/ @JoburgMPD
Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
