READ: Five arrested after truck hijacking syndicate bust.

On April 23, 2025, Gauteng police arrested five suspects involved in a truck hijacking syndicate on R25 Modderfontein Road, Sebenza. The group, aged 50 to 69, impersonated police officers, with two wearing Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department uniforms and two in South African Police Service reflector jackets. They targeted a truck carrying solar batteries worth R5 million, kidnapping the driver during the crime.

An intelligence-led operation, involving the SAPS Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit, DPCI Gauteng Tracking Team, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, and Tracker Connect, led to the suspects’ swift apprehension. The driver was rescued, the truck recovered, and two vehicles—a Hyundai Accent and Hyundai iX35—were seized. The suspects face charges of truck hijacking, kidnapping, possession of suspected stolen property, and impersonating police.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, commended the teams’ rapid response, emphasizing the fight against organized crime. Authorities are profiling the suspects for links to other serious offenses. Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo urged public vigilance, citing the rising use of law enforcement disguises in such crimes.

This incident highlights the economic and safety challenges posed by truck hijackings, with high-value cargo like solar batteries attracting sophisticated criminals. The collaborative law enforcement effort offers hope, but increased security measures and community awareness are critical to curbing this threat.

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