Johannesburg – A 26-year-old man suspected of shooting dead an e-hailing driver has been found asleep in his Soweto hostel room, wearing clothes similar to those worn by the suspect captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV).
During the arrest, police recovered an unlicensed gun, a magazine, and 10 bullets from the suspect.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) on Friday, (27 September 2024), said the suspect was arrested in connection with the murder of an e-hailing driver in Berea, Johannesburg.
Narrating events leading to the arrest, JMPD Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said: “On Thursday, (26 September 2024), a joint operation involving the JMPD Tactical Response Unit and the SA Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Tracking Team led to the arrest of the suspect at Jabulani Hostel in Soweto”.
Superintendent Fihla added: “The suspect was identified based on information received regarding the fatal shooting incident that occurred on Lilly and Olivia Streets in Berea.
“Acting on this information, the operational team conducted a focused operation at the Jabulani Hostel, where the suspect was believed to be hiding.
“Upon searching the identified room, the suspect was found sleeping and was immediately apprehended.
“He was positively identified as matching the description obtained from surveillance footage and was still wearing the same clothing as seen at the crime scene.
“During the arrest, an unlicensed firearm, a magazine, and 10 live rounds of ammunition were seized from the suspect’s possession.”
The suspect has been detained at the Jabulani Police Station.
He is facing charges related to the murder of the e-hailing driver and is due to appear in court soon.
“The JMPD remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to Johannesburg,” said Superintendent Fihla.
“We commend the collaborative efforts of the JMPD TRU unit and the SAPS Gauteng Tracking Team in bringing this dangerous individual to justice.”
