Cloned SAPS vehicle linked to Gauteng robberies found in Walkerville, suspect arrested

A 44-year-old man was arrested in Walkerville yesterday after an intelligence-driven operation led to the discovery of a cloned police vehicle and other incriminating items on a private property.

The operation, carried out by members of Johannesburg Crime Intelligence and the Soweto K9 unit, discovered a Volkswagen Golf, which had been modified to resemble a marked SAPS vehicle, complete with police registration number plates, call signs, equipped with blue lights and sirens.

Among the items seized were a stolen R5 rifle, several police reflector jackets, and numerous South African Police Service (SAPS) number plates. Authorities believe these vehicles were used in a series of truck hijackings and courier vehicle robberies across Gauteng.

Colonel Noxolo Kweza told Walkerville & Savanna City Times: “The suspect may be linked to multiple robberies in the Gauteng area. We believe that the vehicles recovered were instrumental in facilitating these crimes.”

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court soon. The investigation is ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests as police continue to piece together the extent of the criminal network.