Three male suspects were arrested after a swift response by Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Undercover officers in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Saturday 19 February 2022.
JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla said that whilst patrolling along Langerman Drive at approximately 16h40, officers witnessed a hijacking and kidnapping taking place at the corner of Orion Street, Kensington.
“The victims were forced out of a Blue Chana Benni at gunpoint. Officers made a U-turn and the suspects fled the scene,” Fihla said.
He added that a Silver Toyota Etios with no registration plates fled in one direction and a white Toyota Quantum in another direction.
“Officers then decided to go after the Toyota Quantum as the kidnapped victims were held hostage in the vehicle, with a high speed chase ensued and shots were fired as officers attempted to immobilise the Quantum which was driving recklessly,” Fihla added.
When the Quantum lost control and crashed into a huge tree, three suspects were apprehended and one suspect fled the scene on foot, two pistols were recovered from the scene and two hostages were rescued with no injuries.
“It is alleged that the hostages were carrying a large amount of money that the suspects in a Toyota Etios managed to flee with,” he said.
Fihla revealed that the arrested suspects are most wanted for hijackings, armed and business robberies in the Jeppe area, and were currently out on bail.
Furthermore, they were charged with hijacking, kidnapping and possession of unlicensed firearms, and will likely appear in court on Monday 21 February 2022.
