The South African Police says engagements with the Johannesburg Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies are ongoing in an effort to curb further crime incidents on the province’s highways.
This after a group of suspects were seen robbing multiple motorists at gunpoint in peak traffic on the M1 near the Crown Interchange at Selby, south of Johannesburg. Motorists, who were stuck in traffic, shared pictures of the incident on social media.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola promised maximum mobilization of resources along Gauteng highways and other strategic locations during peak hour traffic. Masemola says this is to ensure the safety of motorists on the Gauteng routes.
“We have bolstered the deployment of the Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing, and Gauteng Flying Squad units to monitor and conduct regular patrols along the identified routes. We also have our tracking teams on the ground searching for these suspects,” National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe explains.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson, Xolani Fihla has called on the victims of the smash-and-grab incidents to register criminal cases as soon as possible.
JHB – M1 Highway (Update): feedback on this mornings gunpoint robbery incident in the Crown area pic.twitter.com/29oaFQ6y2y
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) February 20, 2024
“After receiving these reports, JMPD Tactical Response Unit was deployed in the area to search for the suspects. No one has been found. We urge the victims involved in this incident to immediately report and open a criminal case at the police station against the culprits and for the police to investigate the matter. JMPD will continue to monitor the area, to search and trace for the suspects,”
During the Gauteng State of Province Address, Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced plans to fight crime in the province. The provincial government has donated 250 high-powered vehicles to the SAPS to enhance crime fighting.
“Almost 12 months ago there were 7 000 young people that were unemployed. I am proud to announce that this 7 000 is today in this house as law enforcement agencies. They are here permanently employed to go and fight crime in our townships. They are here to ensure that our communities are safe,” Lesufi said.
Premier Lesufi promised his unwavering support to the SAPS, in a bit to improve police visibility and access to police services in crime infested communities.
