Johannesburg – A Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer has been arrested along the N12 for truck hijacking.
Commenting on the arrest on Tuesday, Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda said he has “received with great shock, reports that a member of the JMPD was along with 12 other suspects arrested on the N12 on charges of truck hijacking and possession unlicensed firearms, hijacked vehicles and jamming devices”.
The mayor said the JMPD has confirmed the officer’s details and has begun a process to institute internal action against the said member.
“The JMPD is a disciplined force and one that is the pride of our City,” said Mayor Gwamanda.
“We will not tolerate nor accept any criminal and rogue members that seek to undermine the integrity of the JMPD and its members.”
“As the executive mayor, in agreement with the MMC of public safety and city manager, we have directed that the JMPD leadership acts immediately and decisively against the said officer.
“This is in the interests of sending a strong message to all members of the JMPD that no illegal and unbecoming behavior will be tolerated.”
The mayor said the leadership of the JMPD will, in the next few days, make announcements on actions taken against the arrested officer once he has appeared before a court.
“JMPD officers are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and enforcing law and order within the City,” said Mayor Gwamanda.
“They have a responsibility to ensure that we guarantee the safety of residents at all times and must never themselves be associated with criminal conduct as that will attract the strong sanction of the City’s leadership.”
