JMPD nets viral Gauteng cellphone snatcher in Hillbrow

Johannesburg
Thandoluhle Ngcobo

Thandoluhle Ngcobo

30 December 2025 | 14:24

Three other suspects, believed to be part of a syndicate operating in Johannesburg’s inner city, were also arrested.

JMPD nets viral Gauteng cellphone snatcher in Hillbrow

Four suspects arrested on 30 December 2025 in connection with cellphone snatching incidents across Gauteng. Picture: Supplied/JMPD TRU

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) has arrested a 26-year-old man linked to a series of cellphone snatching incidents across Gauteng.
Three other suspects, believed to be part of a syndicate operating in Johannesburg’s inner city, were also arrested.
The arrests followed a targeted operation conducted on Tuesday, after officers received information on a suspect who had gained widespread attention on social media.
In a viral video, the suspect, is seen forcefully snatching a cellphone from a woman outside popular Pretoria restaurant on Monday before fleeing the scene.
Acting on intelligence, the TRU traced the suspect to a flat in Hillbrow, where officers found him hiding on a balcony.
Officers said he was discovered in possession of a cellphone, for which he could not provide a satisfactory explanation.
Further investigations have linked the 26-year-old to multiple cellphone snatching cases across the province, as well as a March 2025 hijacking of an off-duty JMPD officer, a case registered with Diepsloot SAPS (South African Police Service).
He is also suspected of using a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates during the commission of these crimes, which can be seen in the viral video footage of Monday’s incident.
“FLUSHING” OR REPROGRAMMING STOLEN CELLPHONES
Information obtained during the suspect's arrest led officers to his accomplices - three Bangladeshi nationals - who were also taken into custody.
The trio is alleged to be involved in the “flushing” or reprogramming of stolen cellphones to remove tracking and security features.
During the arrests at Wanderers Street in Joburg Central, JMPD officers recovered specialised equipment believed to have been used in the reprogramming of stolen devices.
All four suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, detained at Hillbrow and Johannesburg Central SAPS and are expected to appear in court soon.
JMPD's Chief of Police, Patrick Jaca, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised crime.
“The arrest of these individuals is a significant step in dismantling syndicates that terrorise our residents,” said Jaca.
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