BRYANSTON, JOHANNESBURG — A major police manhunt is underway after a pursuit involving a reportedly hijacked BMW ended at the Winifred Mandela Precinct shopping centre in Bryanston, Johannesburg, resulting in one arrest and the seizure of a signal jammer and weapons. The incident, which originated from a vehicle hijacking case in Norwood, led to a temporary shutdown of the mall’s entrances as law enforcement combed the scene for four suspects who fled on foot.
According to Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a police spokesperson, the incident began when police and private security patrols spotted the suspected hijacked vehicle, which had been circulated in a Norwood case. The chase ensued from the Parkhurst area before the suspects drove into the Winifred Mandela Precinct. The BMW, which was carrying five occupants, was reportedly heading toward the top uncovered entrance of the mall. Authorities believe the occupants intended to abandon the vehicle and blend in as ordinary shoppers to evade justice. However, as police and security closed in, four of the suspects fled the scene on foot, leaving one individual behind. The arrested suspect was detained in a police vehicle at the scene and awaits processing.
During the search of the hijacked BMW, law enforcement officers uncovered several incriminating items. A signal jammer, a knife, and other weapons were discovered inside the vehicle. These items were carefully bagged and packed to be presented in court as evidence. The active crime scene caused significant disruptions, with traffic becoming chock-a-block as shoppers and visitors were temporarily stopped from entering or leaving the precinct while police combed the area. Additionally, at least two vehicles at the scene were believed to be stolen. Despite the heavy police presence, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities.
Addressing public concern, Tshepo, the center manager of the Winifred Mandela Precinct, clarified that the shopping center itself was never the target or location of an armed robbery. Tshepo explained that the suspects were chased from outside and merely drove into the center’s parking vicinity to escape. “The incident that happened in the center came from outside of the center,” Tshepo stated, emphasizing that the suspects dropped their vehicle and ran into the area to evade police.
Prior to the all-clear, the center management had issued a notice warning residents living around the center to stay clear while the police operation was ongoing. However, management has since confirmed that the actual buildings were not compromised. “The center is safe,” Tshepo assured the public, noting that the mall is ready to trade and will return to normal operations as soon as police conclude their investigation and finish combing the exterior scene.
