Five suspects, allegedly including a grandchild of former President Nelson Mandela, have been arrested for possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm. The vehicle had been hijacked hours earlier in Joburg.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said on Wednesday morning officers from the department’s tactical response unit received information from a vehicle tracking company regarding the location of a white Toyota Corolla that was hijacked earlier today along Louis Botha Avenue in Oaklands.
Hijacked vehicle traced to Mandela’s Houghton home
Acting on this information, Fihla said officers proceeded to a residence in Houghton, previously owned by former President Nelson Mandela.
Upon entering the property, officers recovered the hijacked vehicle and apprehended five individuals. They included four males and one female.
He said a subsequent search of the premises resulted in the recovery of one unlicensed firearm.
“Preliminary information suggests that the female occupant is renting the property and is acquainted with the four male suspects. It is alleged that one of the male suspects is a Mandela grandchild,” said Fihla.
Fihla said all five suspects have been arrested and will be detained at Norwood SAPS.
They will be facing charges of possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Hijacking victim unharmed
Fihla said the victim of the hijacking is unharmed.
“It is with relief that we can confirm that the victim of the hijacking is safe and unharmed,” said Fihla.
The arrest of Mandela’s grandchild on Wednesday happens on the same day the ANC is celebrating its 113th birthday anniversary.
