South Africa police arrest five suspects, recover drugs, copper and hijacked vehicles

Africa, Crime Diary

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported multiple arrests and recoveries following operations by members of the Benoni Flying Squad between September 21 and 27, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the police on Tuesday, five suspects were arrested during the period, while officers recovered drugs, suspected stolen copper cables, two motor vehicles, a truck and two trailers.

Two suspects, aged 36 and 42, were arrested in separate drug-related incidents in Kempton Park. Police said crystal methamphetamine and suspected “cat” drugs were recovered during the operations.

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On Tuesday, at about 8 a.m., officers stopped a white Hyundai panel van carrying large bags at the N12/Putfontein offramp. A search reportedly found the bags containing copper cables suspected to have been stolen.

Two suspects, aged 35 and 38, were arrested. Police impounded the Hyundai as an alleged vehicle used in the commission of a crime, while the recovered copper cables, valued at about R80,000, were booked as exhibits.

On Wednesday night at about 11:50 p.m., officers patrolling Tembisa were led by a complainant in a domestic violence case to an address in Illidinga Section.

The complainant identified a 41-year-old suspect, who was arrested and detained at Tembisa Police Station.

The police also recovered several abandoned vehicles during further operations.

These included a silver Volkswagen Tiguan recovered in Springs CBD and reported hijacked in a Benoni case; a white UD truck and two trailers recovered at Crystal Park and reported hijacked in a Brakpan case; and a white Toyota Hilux reported hijacked in Sekhukhune.

Police said the Hilux was recovered after officers pursued it from the N12 at about 4 a.m. on Saturday. The chase ended in a veld near the corner of Laris and R555 in Etwatwa, but the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled.

The police said investigations were continuing in all the cases.

The suspects have appeared or are expected to appear before local Magistrates’ Courts on charges including possession of drugs, possession of suspected stolen goods and domestic violence.