Members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department’s tactical unit have recovered several vehicles following different operations cross the city aimed at cracking down on rampant crime.
TMPD spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the tactical unit members have been working alongside the crime intelligence unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The police operations which targetted the infamous Pretoria West area, also focussed on tracking notorious criminals who terrorise residents.
“The tactical unit members responded to a call from a tracking company that requested assistance regarding a Toyota Hilux which was hijacked in Themba, Hammanskraal on January 28, 2025. The members managed to track the vehicle and arrested the driver for possession of a hijacked vehicle,” said Mahamba.
During the operation, another man was arrested at his place of residence for possession of drugs.
“The suspect was found in possession of seven bags of crystal meth, unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” said Mahamba.
“On February 3, 2025, the tactical unit members managed to recover a Ford Ranger in East Lynne with assistance from a tracker company. The bakkie was reported as hijacked in Koedoespoort.”
Another vehicle, a Nissan NP200 bakkie, was taken for further investigations after members of the TMPD discovered that the engine was tampered with.
"The Tshwane Metro Police Department, working together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to work hard to curb crime in Tshwane," said Mahamba.
Commissioner of TMPD, Yolanda Faro has saluted the police officers "for their continuous hard work and dedication".
Last month, IOL reported that the TMPD’s tactical unit had recovered a white Toyota Fortuner in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, after the popular sport utility vehicle was stolen in Garsfontein, Pretoria East.
At the time, Mahamba said the tactical unit members have “continuously” been recovering stolen vehicles in various areas across City of Tshwane.
“The members responded to a call regarding a Toyota Fortuner that was stolen in Garsfontein, Pretoria East on Friday, January 24, 2025. Working together with a vehicle tracker company, they managed to trace the vehicle to the Atteridgeville area. The members pursued the vehicle and found it abandoned at Mokhukhu Street in Atteridgeville,” said Mahamba.
No suspects were found at the scene.
Another vehicle that was hijacked in Mamelodi was found abandoned by the TMPD Tactical Unit members in Mamelodi East.
IOL