Seventeen held after Orange Farms raid and shootout in alleged hijacking plot

Seventeen people were arrested after a crime intelligence‑led operation in Orange Farms uncovered an alleged hijacking syndicate and sparked a shootout that left four suspects wounded, the South African Police Service (Saps) in Gauteng said.

Raid at Rietfontein plot

Police said the operation took place at a plot in the Rietfontein area of Orange Farms on Tuesday at about 9am. The raid targeted a group that was allegedly camping while preparing for a planned hijacking of a truck along the N1, according to Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence and the Gauteng Highway Patrol.

“It is reported that the operation follows information received by Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence and the Gauteng Highway Patrol regarding a truck that was allegedly being targeted for hijacking along the N1.”

Shootout and injuries

Police said the suspects opened fire as officers approached, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Four suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital for medical treatment; they remain under police guard, the SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said.

“Acting on the intelligence, police proceeded to a plot in the Rietfontein area where the suspects were allegedly camping while preparing for the planned hijacking.”

Items seized and charges

Officers recovered an AK‑47 rifle, four pistols, five motor vehicles, and a signal‑jamming device. Other items seized included traffic police uniforms, reflector jackets, balaclavas, gloves, and a cutting‑grinder machine.

Sibeko said cases have been opened for attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of traffic uniforms, and possession of a signal‑jamming device. She added that additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses and that the suspects will appear before the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court soon.

Police response

Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho praised the officers involved in the operation and emphasised the role of proactive intelligence work in combating organised crime and protecting communities and road users.

She stressed that “proactive, intelligence‑driven policing is vital to disrupting organised crime and protecting communities and motorists.”