Johannesburg – Internet anti-crime activists are claiming success for the arrest of a cellphone snatcher whose crime was captured in a video that went viral on social media.
In the video, the man is seen sneaking up behind an unsuspecting woman talking on her cellphone as she goes up a flight of stairs.
In a flash, he snatches the cellphone and bolts to a car below and makes his getaway.
But technology has a way of tripping up criminals.
Unbeknownst to him, his face was captured clearly and posted on social media.
Before long, the thief had been identified.
Today, the long arm of the law caught up with the cellphone snatcher at a flat in Hillbrow.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla stated that a 26-year-old male suspect linked to cellphone snatching incidents had been arrested.
He was arrested along with three other individuals suspected of being involved in a stolen property syndicate.
Superintendent Fihla said: “On Tuesday, 30 December 2025, officers acted on information regarding a suspect who had gained notoriety through a viral social media video.
“In the footage, the suspect is seen snatching a cellphone from a woman before fleeing the scene.”
Narrating events leading to the arrest of the culprit, Superintendent Fihla said investigations led the SA Police Service Tactical Response Unit to a flat in Hillbrow.
“During a thorough search of the premises, officers discovered the suspect hiding on the balcony,” Superintendent Fihla said.
“He was found in possession of a cellphone for which he could not account.”
Superintendent Fihla said following further investigations, the suspect has been positively linked to numerous phone snatching cases across Gauteng.
He has also been linked to the March 2025 hijacking of an off-duty JMPD member and the unlawful use of a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates during the commission of these crimes.
JMPD officers followed up on additional information regarding the suspect’s associates.
“This led to the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals at Wanderers Street in Johannesburg Central,” Superintendent Fihla said.
“These individuals are alleged to be responsible for ‘flushing’ [reprogramming/wiping] stolen cellphone devices.
“During the arrest, officers recovered specialised equipment used in the flushing of cellphones.”
Superintendent Fihla said a Zimbabwean was among those arrested and detained at Hillbrow Police Station for possession of suspected stolen property.
All the arrested suspects will appear in court soon.
JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, commended the Tactical Response Unit for their swift action.
”The arrest of these individuals is a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle syndicates that terrorise our residents,” said Commissioner Jaca.
“By linking this suspect to both the viral video and the hijacking of one of our own members, we are sending a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg.
“Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure that all those involved in the value chain of stolen property are brought to book.
“The search and arrest of more suspects is imminent.”
Investigations are ongoing, and the search and arrest of more suspects linked to this syndicate is imminent.
However, internet trolls have latched on to the arrests, saying the JMPD should release the CCTV footage of the shooting of DJ Warras so they can help identify the suspects.
One person has been arrested in connection with the cold-blooded murder of the DJ Warras, whose real name was Warrick Stock.
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