Two Suspects Arrested in Intelligence-Led Operation Targeting Blue Light Truck Hijackings on the R25 Near Welbekend

EKURHULENI – On Saturday, 27 June 2026, at approximately 11:45, members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies and private security partners, intercepted and arrested two suspects involved in truck hijackings using blue lights on the R25 at Welbekend.

The coordinated operation was initiated based on intelligence regarding a group employing blue lights to impersonate law enforcement and target trucks and courier vehicles. The EMPD Northern Task Team worked alongside the LAPUA Strike Force, Proshield Security, Tracker Connect, Nightguard Security, GAC Risk Solutions, Vision Tactical, ABSA SVC Investigations, and the Wezindlela Group.

During the operation, authorities stopped a white Volkswagen Polo and an Isuzu 150 truck. The Polo was found to be displaying false registration plates and had been linked to a prior attempted hijacking in Midrand. The Isuzu truck was confirmed as a hijacked vehicle, with a jamming device still active at the time of recovery.

Two male suspects, aged 41 and 42, were taken into custody at the scene. A signal jamming device, false registration plates, and a mixed load of recovered stock were seized as evidence. The suspect vehicle and all exhibits were booked in at the Welbekend South African Police Service (SAPS) station.

The suspects have been connected to additional cases registered at Welbekend SAPS. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their activities. Both individuals face multiple charges, including truck hijacking, possession of a jamming device, possession of false registration plates, and related offences.

The City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, together with its partners, successfully disrupted the suspects’ operations through this targeted intervention. The EMPD has emphasised that the misuse of blue lights to commit crimes is a serious offence. Perpetrators will be pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

This incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Gauteng to combat sophisticated hijacking syndicates that impersonate police officers using blue lights and other deceptive tactics to stop and rob vehicles on major routes. The successful recovery of the hijacked truck and seizure of illegal equipment demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and multi-agency collaboration in addressing such threats. No injuries were reported in connection with the arrests.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.