Johannesburg – South African Police Service officers have arrested a 64-year-old suspect after visiting foreign police officials were robbed of money, watches, and cellphones while on their way to OR Tambo International Airport.
“This arrest follows the armed robbery of three high-ranking senior police officials from one of the African countries,” police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
“The three senior officers were making their way to the airport in an e-hailing service on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle they were travelling in was pulled over by four males travelling in a silver Suzuki Swift.
“Once the e-hailing driver had pulled over on the side of the R24, the men posed as police officers and thereafter robbed the police general and two other officers of money, watches, and cellphones.”
Brigadier Mathe said that within a few hours, police traced the vehicle and arrested the middle-aged suspect.
“Police have also seized a Suzuki Swift that is believed to have been used numerous times in the commission of crimes that mostly took place on the R24 near the Barbara off-ramp towards OR Tambo International Airport,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“During the investigation, police found that the serial robber has 42 other cases where he was arrested and charged for armed robbery, the possession of an unlicensed firearm, fraud, and impersonating a police officer.”
These cases date as far back as 1998.
“Police believe they have broken the back of a syndicate that has been involved in airport following robberies,” stated Brigadier Mathe.
The suspect will appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
“An investigation is also underway to ascertain how a serial robber of this nature is still roaming the streets of South Africa and not convicted and serving time in a jail cell,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“Police are still searching for three other suspects who were involved in the commission of this crime.”
