A 26-year-old man captured on video snatching a cellphone from a woman at a Pretoria shopping centre has been tracked down and arrested in Hillbrow by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit. The arrest follows a viral social media video that drew widespread attention to the suspect’s criminal activities.
The MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, emphasised that lawlessness will not be tolerated in the city and reiterated that decisive action will continue against criminal elements.
On Tuesday, 30 December 2025, officers acting on information regarding the suspect located him in a flat in Hillbrow. During a thorough search of the premises, he was found hiding on the balcony in possession of a cellphone he could not account for. Preliminary investigations linked him to multiple phone snatching incidents across Gauteng, the March 2025 hijacking of an off-duty JMPD member, and the use of a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates during the commission of these crimes.
Further inquiries led officers to the suspect’s associates, resulting in the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals in Johannesburg Central. These individuals are alleged to have been involved in reprogramming or wiping stolen cellphones, commonly referred to as flushing. Officers recovered specialised equipment used for this activity during the arrests.
The primary suspect, a Zimbabwean national, was detained at Hillbrow SAPS on charges of possession of suspected stolen property, while the three Bangladeshi suspects were charged similarly and detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS. All four are expected to appear in court soon.
JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, praised the Tactical Response Unit for its swift action, describing the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the fight against syndicates that terrorise residents. He stated that linking the suspect to both the viral video and the hijacking of one of the department’s own members sends a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg. Commissioner Jaca also confirmed that further arrests of those involved in the stolen property network are expected.
Superintendent Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for the JMPD, highlighted the proactive approach of the department, saying the operation demonstrates the commitment of the Tactical Response Unit to combating crime in the city. He encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to assist ongoing investigations.
Investigations remain ongoing, with authorities pursuing additional leads connected to the syndicate. The JMPD reaffirmed its dedication to removing criminals from the streets and dismantling networks profiting from stolen property.
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