Johannesburg – In a dramatic turn of events, five suspects, including an alleged grandchild of former President Nelson Mandela, were arrested at a Houghton property previously owned by the anti-apartheid icon.
The arrests, which took place on Wednesday morning, followed the hijacking of a white Toyota Corolla earlier that day on Louis Botha Avenue in Oaklands.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla, confirmed the arrests. He explained that the JMPD’s tactical response unit acted on information provided by a vehicle tracking company pinpointing the location of the hijacked vehicle.
“Acting on this information, 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 — four males and one female,” Supt Fihla stated.
A subsequent search of the premises uncovered an unlicensed firearm. Supt Fihla revealed preliminary information suggesting the female occupant was renting the property and knew the four male suspects. "It is alleged that one of the male suspects is a Mandela grandchild," he added.
All five suspects are currently detained at Norwood SAPS, facing charges of possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Supt Fihla offered a reassuring update on the victim of the hijacking: “It is with relief that we can confirm that the victim of the hijacking is safe and unharmed.”
The arrest of a Mandela grandchild adds a significant layer of intrigue to this case, occurring on the same day the African National Congress (ANC) celebrated its 113th birthday anniversary. The coincidence is unlikely to be lost on the public or political commentators. The details surrounding the hijacking itself remain unclear, but the swift recovery of the vehicle and the arrests highlight the effectiveness of the JMPD's tactical response unit and the collaboration with vehicle tracking companies.
The incident raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the presence of the hijacked vehicle and the suspects at the former president's residence. While Supt Fihla confirmed the alleged connection between one of the male suspects and the Mandela family, News24 was unable to independently verify this information and establish if the female suspect also had a connection to the Mandela family. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the legal system.
The arrest of five individuals, including an alleged Mandela grandchild, for possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm at a property once owned by Nelson Mandela, is a high-profile case that will undoubtedly attract significant public attention. The timing, coinciding with the ANC’s anniversary celebrations, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The investigation will need to thoroughly establish the precise roles and responsibilities of each suspect in the alleged crime.
