Gauteng police have arrested a suspect allegedly linked to the notorious blue lights gang operating on the N12. The suspect was arrested on Tuesday and was allegedly responsible for a spate of hijackings on Gauteng highways.
He was intercepted by the Road Traffic Management Corporations (RTMC), National Anti-Corruption Unit and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) during a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation.
“The arrest follows complaints about hijackings on national and provincial roads. The gang usually drive cars fitted with blue lights and dress in what appears to be police uniform,” said Simon Zwane, the Road Traffic Management spokesperson.
Zwane said intelligence was gathered after a Toyota Hilux GD6 was hijacked on the N12 near Delmas. The victim was taken hostage and his bank cards were used to make withdrawals of large amounts of money. The card was also used to purchase expensive alcohol.
“Video footage of the suspects buying alcohol at a well-known tavern circulated showing clear photos of the suspects, which then prompted authorities to activate their undercover detective machinery in and around Katlehong, Thokoza and Vosloorus. The suspect was spotted in Vosloorus and he was followed to his place of residence,” Zwane said.
The suspect was arrested and taken in for questioning.
“He confessed that he had been involved in hijacking on the N12 between Gauteng and Mpumalanga. He is currently detained at Vosloorus South African Police Services for his court appearance. Investigations are continuing and more suspects are expected,” Zwane said.
Source: The South African, The Citizen, IOL, Daily Sun, image from Twitter: Democratic Alliance (DA)