A high-speed chase through the streets of Tshwane turned deadly this week when three suspected Pretoria hijackers killed in Police Shoot-Out. The dramatic incident has raised fresh concerns about rising vehicle hijackings in Gauteng and the growing boldness of organised crime syndicates.
Tactical Police Operation Ends in Fatal Gunfight
On Monday morning, law enforcement units responded to intelligence about a suspected hijacking syndicate operating in Pretoria. The suspects, believed to be part of a larger network, were tracked to Atteridgeville. According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi:
“Three of the suspects were fatally wounded, while two others were taken to the hospital in critical condition.”
The operation involved multiple agencies, including SAPS Crime Intelligence, Gauteng Highway Patrol, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect, and Gemini Global Defence. Officers attempted to intercept the suspects’ vehicle, a Suzuki Ciaz, when the suspects opened fire, triggering a deadly shoot-out.
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Pretoria Hijackers Killed in Police Shoot-Out: Weapons and Signal Jammers Recovered
After the shoot-out, police recovered a cache of suspicious items from the suspects’ car. These included:
- Four unlicensed firearms with live ammunition
- A military-grade signal jamming device
- Gloves, balaclavas, and stolen bank cards
- Several mobile phones
- A set of keys linked to a hijacked Ford Ranger Stormtrak
The Ford Ranger was later recovered in Pretoria West. It had been reported stolen and was fitted with cloned number plates.
“The recovered items will be subjected to further investigation and will likely link the suspects to scores of hijackings committed across Pretoria in recent months.”
The recovered vehicle and items have been booked into the SAPS pound for forensic and ballistic analysis.
Expert Calls for Increased Police Presence in Hijacking Hotspots
Crime expert and forensic investigator Calvin Rafadi said that police need to improve their visibility in hijacking-prone areas. In a previous interview, he stated:
“On every area that is a hotspot… there must be a particular marked police vehicle stationed at all times.”
He explained that while intelligence-led operations are effective, consistent police patrols are essential to deter these brazen attacks.
Rafadi’s comments highlight the need for a balanced approach. Targeted operations must be backed by continuous presence on roads, off-ramps, and intersections known for hijackings.
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Pretoria’s Rising Hijacking Crisis
According to the latest SAPS crime statistics, Gauteng remains South Africa’s worst-affected province for vehicle hijackings. Pretoria has seen a sharp increase in syndicate-driven hijackings, often involving high-level coordination and use of sophisticated equipment such as signal jammers.
The suspects in the Atteridgeville case were reportedly using these devices to disable vehicle tracking systems, a common tactic among syndicates. The presence of balaclavas and gloves suggests the suspects intended to evade identification and DNA tracing.
You can access the full SAPS crime statistics here:
SAPS Crime Stats Portal
Organised Crime Networks Under Scrutiny
Law enforcement believes the suspects may be part of a larger hijacking network operating across Gauteng. Several recent incidents in Johannesburg and Pretoria have involved similar tools, such as blue lights, fake SAPS insignia, and cloned plates.
In another case, two suspects were arrested along the N3 with SAPS paraphernalia and over 30 linked hijackings:
The Atteridgeville shoot-out points to increasing collaboration between organised syndicates and access to military-grade devices, placing motorists at even greater risk.
No SAPS Fatality Report Yet Released
At the time of writing, SAPS has not issued a formal press statement on the Atteridgeville shooting. The case is under internal review, and police watchdog IPID may open a file if any procedural irregularities are suspected.
However, early evidence suggests the officers acted in self-defence following provocation from armed suspects. Investigators are now analysing the ballistic and forensic evidence to confirm the sequence of events.
A Win, But the Fight Continues
While the death of the three Pretoria hijackers marks a small victory in the fight against crime, the broader problem remains. Syndicates are well-armed, highly mobile, and increasingly sophisticated. Police, while making gains through intelligence work, face a daunting challenge in keeping Gauteng’s roads safe.
Increased community vigilance, improved patrol visibility, and investment in rapid-response technologies may hold the key to curbing this wave of violent crime.
