A suspected vehicle crime syndicate member was arrested following a dramatic high-speed chase through northern Johannesburg that ended at the Winnie Mandela Shopping Centre on Tuesday.
According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), officers working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security partners received information about a group of men allegedly involved in vehicle-related crimes across Gauteng.
Acting on the intelligence, the operational team identified a vehicle matching the description provided by the informant travelling at the corner of Main Road and Bryanston Drive in Bryanston.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle using blue lights and a siren, but the driver allegedly ignored instructions and sped away, triggering a high-speed pursuit.
The chase came to an end when the suspect vehicle crashed through boom gates at the Winnie Mandela Shopping Centre. Officers successfully brought the vehicle to a stop, but two occupants reportedly jumped out and fled into the shopping centre on foot. The driver was apprehended at the scene.
A search of the vehicle uncovered two signal-jamming devices, vehicle-breaking implements, two sets of motor vehicle registration plates, several pairs of gloves and a motor vehicle licence disc belonging to a Toyota Prado.
Police said the licence disc tested positive in connection with a case registered at Sandton SAPS. Further investigations revealed that the vehicle’s VIN number had been circulated and was linked to a case registered at Norwood SAPS.
The suspect was arrested and detained at Randburg SAPS on charges relating to possession of suspected stolen property, possession of vehicle crime implements and possession of a vehicle linked to a criminal case.
The grey Haval H6 used in the incident was seized and booked into the Aeroton SAPS vehicle pound. Investigations are continuing as authorities work to trace the two suspects who escaped on foot.
Police have urged members of the public to report any information that may assist in the investigation.