Tracker on parcel leads to arrest in Braamfontein drone sting

A suspect was arrested in Braamfontein after a tracking device hidden in boxes of drone equipment led security officers and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) personnel to him.

How officers located the suspect

JMPD said Tactical Response Unit (TRU) officers were called to the intersection of Leyds and Simmonds streets after VumaCam asked them to assist Axon Security officers who had been tracking two boxes of drone equipment.

The boxes contained a tracking device that the owner had fitted after reportedly being targeted by the same suspect for a second time. JMPD said the earlier incident had been reported at Moot SAPS in Pretoria.

Interception at the Power House

Information from the tracking device led security officers to the Power House in Braamfontein. According to JMPD, security officers watched as a vehicle arrived to collect the parcel. The suspect approached the vehicle, took possession of the two boxes, and handed money to the driver.

JMPD and the security officers then moved in and intercepted the suspect.

Questioning and clearance of driver

During questioning, the suspect allegedly told officers he had arranged for an Uber driver to collect the parcel on his behalf. The driver provided officers with trip information and was released after being cleared of involvement, JMPD said.

Charges and detention

The suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and an alleged contravention of the Immigration Act. He was detained at Hillbrow SAPS, JMPD said.

Investigation status

JMPD provided the account of events and the arrest; no further details about the investigation were included in the statement.