In a major victory for the South African Police Service (SAPS), a 64-year-old man who has allegedly been terrorising travellers for years has finally been brought to book. The suspect, described as a "serial airport follower," was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport this week, ending a criminal career that spans at least 42 separate armed robbery cases.
The breakthrough came after the suspect made a fatal mistake: targeting the wrong people. According to police reports, the man allegedly posed as a law enforcement official to intercept and rob three senior foreign police officials who were visiting South Africa. The brazen nature of the attack on international colleagues mobilised a massive response, leading to the suspect’s swift identification and arrest.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest, stating: "The suspect was linked to at least 42 cases of armed robberies committed on the R24 near the Barbara Road off-ramp." During the arrest, police seized a white Suzuki Swift believed to have been used in the commission of these crimes. The vehicle has since been impounded for further forensic investigation.
For years, the "airport following" phenomenon has been a dark cloud over South Africa’s premier gateway. Criminals typically spot wealthy-looking travellers or those with high-end luggage at the arrivals terminal, follow them in vehicles, and strike once the victims reach their destination or a quiet stretch of road. This particular suspect’s preference for the Barbara Road off-ramp suggests a calculated operation that relied on the vulnerability of travellers navigating the busy R24 highway.
The 64-year-old suspect, whose name is being withheld until his formal court appearance, is expected to face a mountain of charges, including armed robbery, impersonating a police officer, and possession of suspected stolen property. Detectives are currently working to determine if he was part of a larger syndicate or if he operated as a lone wolf "predator."
This arrest is being hailed as a significant blow to airport-related crime. "This is a major breakthrough," said a senior official within the SAPS. "To have one individual linked to 42 cases shows the level of persistence and the threat he posed to both locals and international visitors." As the investigation continues, police have urged any other victims who may have been robbed in a similar fashion near the airport to come forward and assist in building an airtight case against the "Grandpa Robber."
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