Police urge victims to identify Alexandra hijacking suspects

The case against a group of suspects linked to a string of e-hailing-related robberies in Alexandra has been postponed to Friday (17 April), as police continue to urge victims to come forward with information.

The suspects were expected to make their second court appearance on Thursday, but it was delayed.

Police have reiterated their call for community members who may have been targeted to come forward, warning that without victim statements and identification, the case against the five accused could be weakened.

The developments follow a police operation last week in Alexandra, where members of the South African Police Service raided a property on 16th Johnbrant and found individuals believed to be linked to a string of robberies and hijackings targeting Uber and Bolt drivers.

Speaking to Our City News, provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, confirmed that the suspects had been charged and had made their first appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court last week, Tuesday.

The operation came amid growing concerns over the safety of e-hailing drivers operating in Alexandra and surrounding areas, where incidents of robberies and hijackings have been on the rise. Drivers have frequently reported being lured to certain locations through trip requests, only to be ambushed by criminals posing as passengers.

Police sources told OCN that the individuals were found inside a room at the Johnbrant property when officers arrived, following what has been described as a targeted ambush operation. While details of the intelligence that led to the raid have not been disclosed, authorities believe the group may be connected to multiple incidents and could have been planning further crimes.

According to a message circulated in community WhatsApp groups, a member of the community policing forum appealed to residents, saying: “We have caught them, now help us finish the job. Without the help of the victims coming to identify these people, our case will collapse”.

Community members who have experienced similar crimes are being encouraged to report to the Alexandra station.

While the development has been welcomed by some residents and drivers, concerns remain about the frequency of such incidents and the need for stronger preventative measures.

Stakeholders have called for increased police visibility and closer collaboration between law enforcement and e-hailing companies to better protect drivers.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by the group is urged to contact the Alexandra police station on 011 321 7600 or visit the police station at 69 15th Ave, Alexandra.

This story is produced by Our City News, a non-profit newsroom that serves the people of Johannesburg.