Members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department’s (TMPD) tactical unit have successfully recovered several hijacked vehicles in a series of coordinated operations aimed at curbing crime across the city. Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, spokesperson for the TMPD, revealed that the tactical team has been working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime intelligence unit, focusing their efforts on high-crime areas like Pretoria West and targeting criminals who have long terrorized residents.
One of the standout successes came when the tactical unit responded to an alert from a tracking company regarding a hijacked Toyota Hilux, stolen in Themba, Hammanskraal on January 28, 2025. The unit tracked down the vehicle and arrested the driver for possession of a hijacked vehicle. In a separate incident during the same operation, officers arrested another individual at his residence for possession of drugs, unlicensed firearms, and ammunition. The suspect was found with seven bags of crystal meth, highlighting the intersection of vehicle theft and drug-related crimes in the city.
The crackdown continued on February 3, when officers, again working alongside a tracking company, recovered a hijacked Ford Ranger in East Lynne. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Koedoespoort. In another case, a Nissan NP200 bakkie was taken in for further investigation after officers discovered tampering with the engine, raising suspicions of a potential car theft syndicate.
Mahamba emphasized that the TMPD, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, remains committed to intensifying efforts to reduce crime in Tshwane. Commissioner of the TMPD, Yolanda Faro, praised the officers for their relentless dedication and consistent results in recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending suspects.
This series of recoveries follows a pattern of recent successes for the TMPD. Just last month, the tactical unit recovered a white Toyota Fortuner in Atteridgeville after it was stolen from Garsfontein, Pretoria East. The unit, working alongside a vehicle tracking company, traced the vehicle to Mokhukhu Street in Atteridgeville, where it was found abandoned. No suspects were present at the scene, but the swift recovery highlighted the effectiveness of the coordinated operations. In another incident, a vehicle hijacked in Mamelodi was also found abandoned by TMPD tactical officers in Mamelodi East.
These continued recoveries showcase the TMPD’s growing efficiency in tackling vehicle hijacking and related crimes, reassuring residents that law enforcement is actively combating criminal activity in Tshwane.
