Airport Robbery Kingpin Busted: 64-Year-Old Linked To 42 Armed Heists Arrested

Police have arrested a 64-year-old man allegedly connected to at least 42 armed robberies along the R24 near the Barbara off-ramp leading to OR Tambo International Airport.

The suspect was apprehended on Saturday following a police investigation.

Serial Robber Arrested After Targeting Senior Police Officials

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said officers traced and arrested the man within hours of an armed robbery involving three high-ranking senior police officials from another African country.

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According to Mathe, the officials were travelling to the airport in an e-hailing vehicle on Saturday afternoon when they were stopped by four men driving a silver Suzuki Swift.

“This arrest follows the armed robbery of three high ranking senior police officials from one of the African countries.

“The three senior officers were making their way to the airport in an e-hailing service on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle they were travelling in was pulled over by four males travelling in a silver Suzuki Swift,” Mathe said.

Once the e-hailing driver stopped along the R24, the suspects allegedly posed as police officers before robbing the general and the two accompanying officers of cash, watches and mobile phones.

Suzuki Swift Impounded as Police Probe Syndicate

Police later seized a Suzuki Swift believed to have been used repeatedly in the commission of the crimes.

“Within a few hours, police traced the vehicle and arrested the serial robber.

“The vehicle has been impounded by police and… police found 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,” Mathe said.

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Authorities believe the arrest may significantly disrupt a criminal network responsible for a string of airport-related robberies.

Mathe said investigators believe they have “broken the back of a syndicate” operating in the area.

Court Appearance Set for March 2026

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Police have also launched an inquiry into how a suspect with such an extensive criminal history remained at large.

“An investigation is also underway to ascertain how a serial robber of this nature is still roaming the streets of SA and not convicted and serving time in a jail cell.”

Meanwhile, officers continue searching for the three remaining suspects believed to have participated in the robbery.