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The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU) has arrested a 20-year-old man linked to a hijacking incident that gained widespread attention on social media.
The arrest followed a viral video circulating online that showed a man hijacking an Uber driver. The footage sparked public concern and prompted immediate police action. Acting on information related to the video, TRU officers traced the suspect to a residence in Zola 3, Soweto, on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
During the operation, officers found two males and one female at the premises. One of the males matched the description of the individual in the video.Upon being approached by the TRU team, the suspect told officers he had been preparing to hand himself over at Jabulani SAPS. He was arrested at the scene without further incident.JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca commended the officers for their coordination and swift response. “This arrest demonstrates the value of timely intelligence and inter-unit coordination in responding to violent crime,” Jaca said. “Our teams are focused on removing offenders from our streets quickly and efficiently.”
The JMPD stated that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to target crimes against public transport and e-hailing services, which have become a concern for commuters in the city. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face charges related to the incident.
Investigations are ongoing.The department reiterated its commitment to tackling violent crime and holding offenders accountable, adding that information from the public continues to play a key role in successful operations.
