BY: Vuyo Cebekhulu
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, a driver and a taxi owner reported a concerning incident to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit commander. They claimed that their Toyota Quantum had been hijacked by a JMPD officer, according to 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 officers waited
in an unmarked JMPD vehicle, the suspect officer impounded the minibus, under the
presence of an investigation into the number plate.
Following a thorough investigation by the TRU Commander, it was uncovered that the officer had unlawfully sold the vehicle to a prison warden specializing in illegal vehicle modifications. The vehicle was subsequently recovered at Phumla Mqashi Informal Settlement, and the warden was found in possession of the hijacked vehicle’s keys at his 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.
JMPD Superintendent Xolani Fihla expressed deep disappointment in the officer’s conduct and condemned any form of misconduct by its officials, whether on or off duty.
Boitumelo Koetle commented on X, “When we say they randomly stop on the side of the road just to get bribe money, we are told it’s a lie. Once we see a single vehicle, we know they are up to no good since they do not even write fines but just want money.”
Kuzwakele Ntshali said that they must get rid of all these crooks who hide behind the JMPD uniform.
Efforts are underway to ensure that individuals engaging in such behavior are identified and dealt with appropriately, as the department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
