Seventeen suspects were arrested following a police operation targeting an alleged car and truck hijacking syndicate near Drieziek Extension 4 in Orange Farm on Tuesday morning.
The operation unfolded at about 09:00 near the N1 and a plot in the Rietfontein area after Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence and the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit received information about a truck that was allegedly being targeted for hijacking. According to police, the suspects had been camping at the plot when officers moved in to intercept them.
Orange Farm SAPS spokesperson, Sgt Shaan Motsapi, said the suspects allegedly opened fire as officers approached, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. “Four suspects were injured during the shooting and were taken to hospital, where they remain under police guard,” Motsapi said.
Police arrested 17 suspects, three of whom are foreign nationals.
During the operation, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, four pistols, five vehicles and a signal-jamming device. Traffic police uniforms, reflector jackets, a cutting grinder, balaclavas and gloves were also seized. The suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, attempted murder of police officers, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of a signal-jamming device and impersonating a police officer.
Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho applauded Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence and the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit for the operation. Motsapi said police would continue working to protect motorists and communities from criminal syndicates while maintaining a strong presence on major routes.
