A woman believed to be at the centre of a series of e-hailing hijackings has been arrested following an intensive police operation. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released pending court proceedings, was taken into custody yesterday after authorities linked her to several carjacking incidents targeting Uber and Bolt drivers in Johannesburg.
According to police, the woman is well-known within criminal circles for allegedly working with hijacking syndicates operating in and around Enerdale, Southdale, Southgate Mall, Eldorado Park, and the Johannesburg central business district. Law enforcement officials believe she played a crucial role in orchestrating the crimes, often luring unsuspecting drivers into dangerous areas before their vehicles were stolen.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest, stating that investigations have been ongoing for several months. “We have been tracking a pattern of e-hailing hijackings across different parts of Johannesburg. Evidence pointed to the suspect as one of the key coordinators of these crimes. Her arrest is a breakthrough in our efforts to dismantle these syndicates that prey on innocent drivers trying to make a living,” he said.
Reports suggest that the suspect would allegedly work with groups of men who carried out the actual hijackings. She was said to identify vehicles, arrange rides using fake accounts, and direct the drivers to specific locations where her accomplices lay in wait. Once the drivers were overpowered, their cars were taken and later either sold, stripped for parts, or used in further criminal activities.
The arrest comes amid rising concerns over the safety of e-hailing drivers across South Africa. Many drivers have spoken out about the dangers they face daily, with hijackings and robberies being some of the most common threats. Just last month, several drivers staged a protest in Johannesburg, demanding tighter security measures and better cooperation between e-hailing companies and law enforcement.
Community members in Eldorado Park and surrounding areas have also expressed relief at the suspect’s arrest. Residents say that the spate of hijackings has not only endangered drivers but has also made neighborhoods unsafe. “We hope this sends a message to others involved in these crimes. People in our community want peace and safety, not constant fear,” said one local resident.
While the arrest has been welcomed, police have cautioned that investigations are still ongoing and more suspects are expected to be apprehended. “This is not the end. We are still looking for her accomplices, and we urge the public to come forward with any information that may help us bring them to justice,” Colonel Masondo added.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon on charges of conspiracy to commit hijacking, armed robbery, and involvement in an organized crime syndicate.
Authorities have reassured the public that operations are underway to clamp down on hijacking hotspots around Johannesburg, particularly targeting areas where Uber and Bolt drivers have been repeatedly attacked.
For now, e-hailing drivers and residents alike are hopeful that this arrest will mark the beginning of safer streets and a significant disruption to criminal syndicates terrorizing Johannesburg.
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