On August 1, a high-speed pursuit through the busy streets of Benoni ended in a shootout on the N12 highway near Snake Road, resulting in the arrest of two armed suspects. The suspects, who had attempted to hijack a woman in Bardene, Boksburg, opened fire on NoJack Vehicle Tracking and Anti-Hijacking Unit officers when they realized they were being followed.
According to NoJack CEO Anton Koen, the suspects displayed extreme aggression, recklessly endangering innocent lives as they tried to evade capture. “The moment they noticed our team was onto them, they started shooting. Our highly trained officers responded swiftly and professionally, ensuring that no civilians were harmed,” Koen stated.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that police received an urgent backup request from NoJack officers pursuing the armed suspects in a white Ford Ranger double cab. Members of the Highway Patrol Unit responded immediately, tracking down the vehicle on the N12 eastbound.
Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement discovered two unlicensed firearms, loaded with ammunition. Further investigation revealed that the suspects were also driving a suspected stolen vehicle. They were arrested on the scene and are now facing multiple serious charges, including:
- Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition
- Possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle
- Attempted murder of security officers
Koen reassured the public that all NoJack officers involved in the operation were unharmed, emphasizing the team’s commitment to protecting South African citizens from violent crime.
“This incident once again highlights the ongoing threat of hijackings in our country, but it also proves that with proactive tracking, quick response times, and strong collaboration with law enforcement, criminals will not escape justice,” he said.