The arrest of two suspects, aged 37 and 45, in Kempton Park on July 21, 2022, after they were discovered with hijacked Lexus and Golf 7 vehicles that are suspected to have been used as getaway cars during the commission of crimes like cash-in-transit and business robberies, has been praised by the provincial commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
Crime Intelligence police personnel have been tracking and keeping an eye on a group that is thought to be responsible for violent and major crimes throughout Gauteng.
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, information was received indicating that the suspects, who are driving a Lexus, will be near Ekurhuleni and want to steal a car.
To find the culprits, an operative team made up of the Gauteng Economic Crimes, Essential Infrastructure Crime Intelligence, SAPS Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit, SAPS Johannesburg K9, Cap Security, and Fidelity Specialized Services was activated.
In Kempton Park, a white Golf 7 and a silver Lexus were seen travelling at a fast speed.
As the crew pursued the automobiles, a gunfight broke out.
Two suspects were detained when they were discovered to be in possession of two illegal firearms after both automobiles were cornered.
The Lexus was attached with a fake registration plate, and it was purportedly hijacked in Kempton Park in June 2022, while the Golf 7 had recently been hijacked in the same location, according to preliminary research.
Charges of car hijacking, possession of allegedly hijacked vehicles, possession of illegal firearms, and attempted murder are scheduled to be brought against suspects before Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court.
“I appreciate the cooperation of the law enforcement personnel. They always have one step on criminals.
To determine if these suspects are connected to other crimes, profiles will be created for them and firearms will be taken for ballistic tests “Lieutenant General Mawela stated.