Blue light gang blues
A suspect believed to be the mastermind behind “blue light robberies” – he was found with blue lights, traffic police uniforms, a high calibre firearm and ammunition as well as a suspected hijacked motor vehicle – has been arrested in a sting operation, Gauteng police said yesterday.
The suspect was handcuffed at his home in Dawn Park, Ekurhuleni, in the early hours of the morning yesterday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said National Crime Intelligence shared information about the suspect, who was in possession of a suspected hijacked vehicle and believed to be involved in blue light robberies on freeways.
Masondo said a team of several law enforcement agencies, including members of the Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit, Tracker Connect, Fidelity Specialised Services and Cap Security Specialised Unit, was established to carry out the take-down operation.
“The team pounced on the premises of the suspect in Dawn Park, where they found a VW Polo that was reported to be hijacked in Phokeng, North
West, in February this year,” said Masondo.
“Upon searching the suspect and the premises, police found an unlicensed rifle, pistol, scores of ammunition, multiple blue lights, police uniforms and insignia that belongs to Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Madibeng traffic police, as well as false government vehicle registration plates.”
Masondo said the suspect was arrested and charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of hijacked motor vehicle and possession of ammunition, among other charges.
Gauteng provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni has applauded the team of law enforcement agencies that worked “with diligence” to arrest the suspect.
“The arrest of this suspect might help us in resolving lots of cases where motorists were robbed by a gang that was utilising blue lights and impersonating police officers,” said Mthombeni.
There’s been a number of blue light robberies on highways recently. The police said more suspects might be arrested, pending the investigation, which is continuing.