A suspect believed to be involved in a series of highway robberies across Gauteng was arrested in Walkerville after police discovered a cloned SAPS highway patrol vehicle on his property.
Story Summary:
- A suspected serial robber was arrested in Walkerville with a cloned SAPS patrol vehicle.
- The arrest may help authorities crack down on the notorious blue lights gang.
- The gang has been known to use police impersonation tactics to hijack and rob motorists.
Man linked to Gauteng highway robbery arrested with cloned SAPS car
The operation, led by Johannesburg Crime Intelligence and members of the Soweto K9 unit, resulted in the recovery of the fake police car along with several other incriminating items, including a white VW Polo fitted with blue lights and sirens, a stolen R5 rifle, police reflector jackets, and multiple SAPS registration plates.
According to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza:
“The operation led the police to make a recovery of the cloned, marked vehicle with police registration number plates and police call signs.”
The suspect, who is also linked to numerous robberies in the province, is expected to appear in court soon.
The arrest is a significant development that may provide critical leads in the ongoing investigation into the notorious blue lights gang, a syndicate that has been terrorising Gauteng’s highways.
The blue lights gang is a hijacking syndicate known for its brazen impersonation of law enforcement officers.
The gang operates by using cloned police vehicles, complete with blue lights and sirens, to pull over unsuspecting motorists, primarily at night.
Once the driver stops, the criminals proceed to hijack the vehicle, often robbing the occupants of their valuables and, in some cases, kidnapping them.
The gang’s tactics have instilled fear among motorists, especially those travelling alone or during late hours.
The syndicate’s use of police impersonation makes it difficult for victims to distinguish between legitimate officers and criminals, complicating the response to these incidents.
How to survive an encounter with the blue lights gang
Motorists can take several precautions to protect themselves in the event of an encounter with the blue lights gang.
According to tips provided by Integrated Emergency Response, a private security firm, staying calm and complying with demands can significantly increase a person’s chances of survival during such encounters.
- Don’t Worsen the Situation: Avoid actions that could escalate the situation. If confronted, comply with the hijackers’ demands and surrender your vehicle if instructed.
- Avoid Eye Contact: Hijackers may perceive direct eye contact as a threat. Instead, focus on taking mental notes of the situation, such as the number of assailants, their accents, and any other distinctive features.
- Stay Calm: Remaining as calm as possible is crucial, especially if you have passengers in the vehicle. Hijackers often use aggressive tactics, so staying composed can help prevent the situation from deteriorating.
- Comply with Instructions: Follow the hijackers’ commands without resistance. For example, if your car is in gear, shift to neutral slowly and raise your hands to show compliance.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Any sudden or unexpected movements can provoke a violent response from the criminals. It’s essential to move slowly and deliberately to avoid escalating the situation.
If you encounter a vehicle with blue lights attempting to pull you over at night, it’s vital to stay cautious.
Here’s what the security firm suggests you should do:
- Slow Down and Signal: Reduce your speed to around 40 km/h, turn on your hazard lights, and extend your arm to signal the vehicle to follow you.
- Don’t Stop Immediately: Drive to the nearest police station or a well-lit petrol station with CCTV cameras.
- Send an Alert: Use emergency apps to send an instant alert and enable GPS tracking, which could be crucial in a dangerous situation.
- Note Details: If possible, try to note the registration number of the vehicle following you.
- Explain Later: Once you reach a safe location, explain to law enforcement that you felt threatened and preferred to reach a secure area before stopping.
These steps can help ensure your safety when faced with the possibility of encountering the blue lights gang.