Johannesburg: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 64-year-old man who is allegedly linked to 42 cases of armed robberies that date as far back as 1998. The arrest by the police at OR Tambo International Airport follows an armed robbery of three high-ranking senior police officials from one of the African countries.
According to South African Government News Agency, the incident occurred as three senior officers were making their way to the airport in an e-hailing service on Saturday afternoon. The vehicle they were travelling in was pulled over by four men travelling in a silver Suzuki Swift. Once the e-hailing driver pulled over on the side of the R24, the men posed as police officers and robbed the police general and two other officers of money, watches, and cellphones.
Within a few hours, police traced the vehicle and arrested the serial robber. Police have impounded the vehicle. The Suzuki Swift has reportedly been used numerous times in the commission of crimes on the R24 near the Barbara off-ramp towards OR Tambo International Airport.
SAPS revealed during the investigation that the serial robber has 42 other cases where he was arrested and charged for armed robbery, the possession of an unlicensed firearm, fraud, and impersonating a police officer. These cases date as far back as 1998. Police believe they have broken the back of a syndicate operating at the airport.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 03 March 2026.