Two suspects were arrested in Mthatha during separate incidents under Operation Shanela II, aimed at tackling serious and violent crimes nationwide.
The first incident occurred on Friday, 4 July 2025, at around 21:00 in the Payne locality. Acting on information from a vehicle tracker, members of the Mthatha Flying Squad located a grey Toyota Rumion that had been hijacked earlier in Slovo Park. During the hijacking, the owner of the vehicle was shot and injured. The vehicle was discovered hidden inside a garage linked to one of the suspects. A 40-year-old male was arrested at the scene.
In a related breakthrough the following day, Saturday, 5 July 2025, at approximately 23:30, Flying Squad members were conducting routine patrols when they stopped a suspicious vehicle on Eagle Street. Upon searching the car, officers found an unlicensed 9mm pistol in the possession of the 42-year-old driver. The suspect was immediately arrested, and further investigation revealed that he was also linked to the earlier hijacking case. The keys to the stolen Toyota Rumion were found in his possession.
Both suspects are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to vehicle hijacking, illegal possession of a firearm, and attempted murder.
The South African Police Service in Mthatha has commended the swift action of the Flying Squad members, noting that their vigilance and coordination played a critical role in these arrests.
Police have urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity and to work closely with law enforcement in the fight against crime. Operation Shanela II continues across the province with a focus on restoring safety and order in communities.
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