a driver and a taxi owner brought a concerning incident to the attention of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit Commander. They reported that their vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, had been hijacked by a JMPD officer as per the Lenasia South SAPS case.
According to their report, on Monday, 18 March 2024, two officers intercepted the taxi at the Xavier off-ramp. One of the officers engaged the driver, alleging discrepancies between the vehicle’s license disc and its number plate. While the other officer waited in an unmarked JMPD vehicle, the suspect officer impounded the minibus, under the pretence of an investigation into the number plate.
However, instead of taking the vehicle to the JMPD Wemmer Complex vehicle pound, it’s alleged that the officer diverted to Phumla Mqashi Informal Settlement south of Johannesburg. The other officer proceeded to Wemmer Complex and awaited his return.
A thorough investigation conducted by the TRU Commander eventually uncovered that the officer had unlawfully sold the vehicle to a prison warden who allegedly specializes in illegal vehicle modifications. The vehicle was subsequently recovered at Phumla Mqashi Informal Settlement. The warden was located and found in possession of the hijacked vehicle’s keys at his place of residence.
Both the officer and the prison warden were apprehended and arrested for the possession of the hijacked motor vehicle. They were detained at the Lenasia South Police Station where a case docket was opened.
The JMPD expresses deep disappointment in the officer’s conduct and unequivocally condemns any form of misconduct by its officials, whether on duty or off duty.
Efforts are underway to ensure that individuals engaging in such behaviour are identified and dealt with appropriately, as the department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
