WATCH | Viral phone snatcher nabbed in Hillbrow: JMPD cracks stolen property syndicate

Phone snatcher

Johannesburg – The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit has apprehended a 26-year-old male suspect linked to a series of phone snatching incidents across Gauteng, along with three other suspects believed to be part of a stolen property syndicate.

The arrest follows a viral social media video showing the primary suspect snatching a cellphone from a woman before fleeing the scene.

Acting on this lead, officers tracked the suspect to a flat in Hillbrow, where he was found hiding on a balcony in possession of a cellphone for which he could not provide an explanation.

Preliminary investigations have linked the Zimbabwean national suspect to numerous phone snatching cases across the province, as well as the March 2025 hijacking of an off-duty JMPD officer in Diepsloot.

Authorities also discovered that a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates was used in several of these crimes.

Following the arrest, officers pursued the suspect’s associates, leading to the detention of three Bangladeshi nationals at Wanderers Street in Johannesburg Central.

The individuals are alleged to have been involved in “flushing” – the reprogramming or wiping – of stolen cellphones. Police recovered specialised equipment used for this purpose during the operation.

The primary suspect has been charged with possession of suspected stolen property and is being held at Hillbrow SAPS.

The three Bangladeshi suspects face similar charges and have been detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS. All four are expected to appear in court shortly.

JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, commended the unit for its swift action.

“The arrest of these individuals is a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle syndicates that terrorise our residents,” said Commissioner Jaca.

“By linking this suspect to both the viral video and the hijacking of one of our own members, we are sending a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg.

Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure that all those involved in the value chain of stolen property are brought to book. The search and arrest of more suspects is imminent.”

Investigations are ongoing, and the JMPD has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

“The JMPD remains committed to removing criminals from our streets and dismantling the networks that profit from the theft of personal property,” Commissioner Jaca added.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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