Byline:Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
06 July 2026
The collaboration between police in Devon, Gauteng, and the Mpumalanga Organised Crime Investigation Unit led to the interception and arrest of two suspects believed to be behind blue lights robberies and car hijackings.
The suspects, aged 32 and 41, were arrested on Friday, 03 July 2026, during a stop-and-search operation conducted in Devon. It is reported that one vehicle failed to stop and a chase ensued until the vehicle was stopped at Leslie. Upon searching the suspects and the vehicle, police found an unlicensed firearm loaded with ammunition, blue lights, uniforms of Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department and SAPS. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle they were driving was recently hijacked.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the police officers who effected this arrest “The arrest of these two suspects sends a strong message that police will not tolerate criminals who disguise as law enforcement officers to terrorise innocent and unsespecting motorists. The use of blue lights and police uniforms to commit robbery and hijackings is a very serious criminal offence and undermines public trust. I commend the collaboration between our Mpumalanga Organised Crime Investigation Unit and SAPS Devon for their swift action that led to this interception. We remain committed to rooting out these syndicates and ensuring that our roads are safe for all road users. Let this serve as a warning to others who might be involved in such acts of criminality” said the General.
Both suspects are expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 06 July 2026, facing charges that include possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and impersonating a police officer.
