Police arrest 47-year-old after high-speed chase linked to Centurion hijacking and kidnapping

Police have arrested a 47-year-old suspect and seized a pistol and ammunition after a hijacking and kidnapping in Centurion sparked a high-speed pursuit through Tshwane.

Gauteng police have arrested a 47-year-old man after a high-speed chase linked to the hijacking of an Omoda and the kidnapping of two people, a man and a woman, in Centurion.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said police members were conducting crime-prevention duties in the Tshwane area after receiving information about the hijacking and kidnapping.

The hijacked vehicle was later abandoned by the suspects in Atteridgeville.

“Further information was received that the suspects and the two victims were travelling in a black Audi in the vicinity of Block XX, Soshanguve, along the R80 highway, heading south towards Pretoria,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Police then launched patrols along the Mabopane Highway and spotted a vehicle matching the description.

As the suspected vehicle approached the Areyeng Bus Station on Paul Kruger Street, the driver lost control and the vehicle overturned.

The suspects got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. During the incident, shots were exchanged between police and the suspects.

Nevhuhulwi said police conducted an extensive search of the area, including the bus station offices. One of the suspects was apprehended with the assistance of security officers.

A search of the suspect allegedly uncovered a bag containing a black 7.5-calibre pistol with its serial number filed off, as well as a 9mm magazine containing live ammunition.

“Investigations continue to determine whether the suspect may be linked to other criminal activities, with the firearm handed in for forensic testing,” Nevhuhulwi said.

The 47-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.

The suspect faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a hijacked motor vehicle, hijacking and kidnapping.

“Police investigations are continuing to locate the second suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” Nevhuhulwi said.