A coordinated multi-agency operation led to the arrest of three suspects linked to a hijacking and vehicle theft syndicate that has been operating across multiple areas in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Thursday, 19 February 2026, at approximately 10h00, information was received regarding a group of suspects involved in hijackings and theft of motor vehicles who were expected to operate within the Chatsworth district. The suspects are believed to be linked to numerous incidents across Chatsworth and surrounding areas.
Operational teams, including Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team (SOT), Isipingo Trio Crimes, Fidelity Investigations and Specialised Operations, ET Rapid Response, and Tracker SA, were immediately mobilised and strategically positioned along key on- and off-ramps of the M1 Higginson Highway.
Members later spotted the identified white VW Polo near a shopping centre in Chatsworth. While under observation, suspects were seen actively stealing a blue VW Polo. Operational teams were alerted and moved in to intercept.
Upon attempting to stop the suspects, both the suspects’ vehicle and the stolen vehicle fled at high speed, resulting in a pursuit from the Woodhurst off-ramp toward Havenside. During the chase, the suspects drove recklessly, colliding with multiple road users and causing several accidents. The suspects’ vehicle eventually lost control, crossed the centre island, and collided with a civilian vehicle on the M1.
Members immediately secured and closed the highway to contain the crime scene and ensure public safety.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene. The stolen blue Polo managed to evade capture. The driver of the civilian vehicle involved in the collision sustained serious injuries and was transported to nearby hospital for further medical care that was required.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle revealed two unlicensed firearms, one of which had its serial number filed off, a signal jammer, a police radio, multiple car-breaking implements, specialised vehicle tools, numerous vehicle computer boxes, and multiple ignitions for various vehicles.
The suspects were detained at Bayview SAPS. While in custody, they requested medical assistance and were transported under police guard for the further medical treatment required.
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are believed to be linked to multiple theft-of-motor-vehicle and attempted theft cases across Wentworth, Mayville, Amanzimtoti, and Chatsworth.
This intelligence-driven operation underscores the strength of coordinated law enforcement efforts and proactive deployment in disrupting organised vehicle-related crime syndicates operating across the province.
