A joint security operation has blown the lid off a hijacking syndicate that has been terrorising e-hailing drivers in Durban Central.
Blue Security confirmed that its tactical team joined forces with KwaMashu SAPS and private tracking companies on Friday, August 29, in an operation that exposed a well-organised network targeting Toyota Rumions.
Hijacking Syndicate Targeting E-Hailing Drivers
The syndicate’s method was chillingly precise: suspects would book rides through e-hailing platforms, threaten drivers at gunpoint, and then use sophisticated jamming devices to disable tracking systems before vanishing with the vehicles.
Discovery of a Chop Shop
The operation led authorities to a chop shop on Mthini Road, where a silver Toyota Rumion hijacked the night before in Umbilo was recovered. Investigators also linked a white Toyota Rumion to the suspects.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it sped off and eventually crashed into a ditch on Simbazi Road. The driver abandoned the car and escaped on foot.
Arrests and Intelligence Gains
SAPS later detained a man who initially claimed to be a hijacking victim. However, his car matched the description of one used in the criminal operation, raising further suspicion.
Karl van der Merwe, Blue Security’s community manager for Durban Central, stressed the importance of partnerships in dismantling such syndicates.
“By working together and monitoring patterns, we were able to identify hotspots for these crimes. Collaboration between private security, SAPS, and tracking partners is essential in keeping our communities safe,” he said.
Collective Effort Pays Off
The crackdown resulted not only in the recovery of stolen vehicles but also in vital intelligence on the syndicate’s operations, which will aid ongoing investigations. This coordinated effort highlights the power of information sharing and swift action in curbing organised crime across Durban.
Related article: See What a Car Remote Jammer Looks Like: The Equipment Fueling South Africa’s Vehicle Theft Syndicates
