Police in South Africa have arrested two suspects in possession of traffic lights, which are essential municipal infrastructure, in Selby, Johannesburg.
Spokesperson for Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Xolani Fihla confirmed in a statement that two male suspects were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit in possession and tampering with essential municipal infrastructure (traffic lights) in Selby.
“On Friday evening 11 November 2022, officers received a complaint from the JMPD Tactical Command Centre of two suspects driving in a white Toyota Hi-Ace minibus taxi who were busy tampering with traffic lights at the corner of Booysens Road and John Street in Selby,” he said.
He said they introduced themselves as police and the reason for being there.
“The suspects and vehicle were searched and officers found two traffic lights in their possession placed at the back of the minibus taxi,” he said.
He added that the two suspects were immediately arrested and detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS where a case docket was opened for further investigation.
Meanwhile, JMPD also arrested bogus Zimbabwean taxi association patrollers who extorted monies from unsuspecting motorists in the Randburg area.
“Whilst on patrol along Malibongwe Drive and the N1 searching for the suspects, officers identified the vehicle matching the description used in the commission of the crime. They tactically approached and stopped the vehicle. While searching they discovered that one of the occupants was a victim of extortion who the suspects had forced to withdraw R4000,” Fihla detailed.
He added that following up on further information officers apprehended more suspects linked to the syndicate that had been terrorizing the community of Randburg.
