Media Statement
15 January 2023
SUSPECTED HIJACKING IN THE JOBURG CBD FOLLOWED UP BY JMPD UNDERCOVER UNIT
On Sunday, 15 January 2023, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit followed up on a video circulating on social media of a suspected hijacking which occurred at Commissioner Street in the Johannesburg CBD on Saturday 14 January 2023.
Officers managed to trace and locate the victim, who is a Bolt driver. The victim explained to officers that it was not a hijacking, instead, the alleged hijacking suspect had requested a ride at corner Commissioner and Kruis Street, as soon as the alleged suspect who was with his wife and three children opened the door for the children to go in, the driver noticed that meter taxi drivers were moving toward to attack him, he sped off with two children, leaving the father, mother and one child behind.
It was further alleged that the father ran after the car, which was skipping red traffic lights. When he noticed that he couldn't keep up with the car, he stopped a Gold Toyota Corolla with four occupants and asked them to help chase the car.
The e-hailing driver was eventually stopped by occupants of the Toyota Corolla seen in the video. He explained to them that he dropped the children off a few traffic lights behind.
They then went with the driver where he dropped the children off. The children were found safe, and the driver explained the reason for fleeing with the children.
Officers managed to trace down the father who had requested a ride using the Bolt app.
Officers proceeded to the Johannesburg CBD where they found the father and the occupants of the Gold Toyota Corolla who helped stop the e-hailing driver.
It was discovered that the occupants of the Toyota Corolla were members of a local security company, their details, firearms as well as firearm permits were verified and all was in order.
The e-hailing driver acknowledged his error of speeding off with the children, which gave the father and community the impression that he is kidnapping the children.
The e-hailing and the father reached a consensus as both parties acknowledged their wrongdoings and decided to not open a case against each other.
Issued by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Communications Unit
End.
Xolani Fihla
Spokesperson: Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department
