Key Takeaways:
- A notorious phone snatcher has been arrested by the JMPD Tactical Response Unit and linked to a string of serious crimes in Gauteng, including the hijacking of an off-duty officer in March 2025.
- The 26-year-old suspect was caught on camera snatching a woman’s cellphone and was found to be in possession of specialized equipment used in the flashing or wiping of cellphones.
- The suspect is believed to be part of a wider syndicate involved in the flushing of stolen cellphones, and three Bangladeshi nationals were also arrested in connection with the case.
- The arrests send a strong message to criminals operating in the city, with JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca stating that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg.
Introduction to the Case
The JMPD Tactical Response Unit has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in Gauteng, arresting a notorious phone snatcher who has been linked to a string of serious crimes across the province. The 26-year-old suspect, who shot to fame after being caught on camera snatching a woman’s cellphone, was arrested during an inner-city crackdown on Tuesday, 30 December 2025. According to the JMPD, a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is connected to numerous cellphone snatching cases across the province, and he allegedly used a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates to carry out the crimes.
The Arrest and Investigation
The suspect was tracked to a flat in Hillbrow, where he was found hiding on a balcony during a search of the premises. Officers recovered specialized equipment used in the flashing or wiping of cellphones, and the suspect was found in possession of cellphones for which he couldn’t provide a satisfactory explanation. The arrest opened the door to a wider syndicate bust, with officers moving to Wanderers Street in the Joburg CBD, where three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested. The four suspects were arrested for possession of stolen property, and the trio is believed to be involved in the flushing of stolen cellphones, a process used to wipe and reprogram devices to make them untraceable.
The Wider Syndicate
The main suspect, a Zimbabwean national, was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and was detained at Hillbrow cop shop. The three other suspects were detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS on similar charges. All four are expected to appear in court soon. The JMPD believes that the suspect is part of a larger syndicate involved in the flushing of stolen cellphones, and the arrests are seen as a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in the city. The specialized equipment recovered during the arrest is believed to be used to carry out the illegal operation, and the JMPD is working to dismantle the syndicate and bring all those involved to justice.
Reaction from the Authorities
JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca welcomed the arrests, stating that the breakthrough sends a strong message to criminals operating in the city. "By linking this suspect to both the viral phone snatching video and the hijacking of one of our own officers, we are sending a clear message that there’s no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg," Jaca said. The arrests are seen as a significant victory for the JMPD, and the authorities are working to build on the momentum to tackle crime in the city. The case highlights the importance of community policing and the need for citizens to work together with the authorities to report crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
Conclusion
The arrest of the notorious phone snatcher and the dismantling of the wider syndicate is a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in Gauteng. The case highlights the importance of community policing and the need for citizens to work together with the authorities to report crime and bring perpetrators to justice. The JMPD is committed to tackling crime in the city, and the arrests send a strong message to criminals that there is no hiding place in Johannesburg. As the authorities continue to work to dismantle the syndicate and bring all those involved to justice, the city can take comfort in the knowledge that the JMPD is working tirelessly to keep its citizens safe.