Viral Cellphone Snatcher Arrested, Linked To March Hijacking Of JMPD Officer

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit has arrested a 26-year-old Zimbabwean national linked to a viral social media video showing a woman’s cellphone being snatched.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, at a flat in Hillbrow, following an intelligence-led operation.

According to JMPD, the suspect has been positively linked to several similar crimes across Gauteng, including the hijacking of an off-duty JMPD officer in March 2025.

Cellphone Syndicate Exposed, Arrested in Hillbrow Raid

The operation also uncovered a broader criminal network. Three Bangladeshi nationals were arrested after being found in possession of specialised equipment allegedly used to reprogramme or wipe stolen cellphones — a process commonly referred to as “flushing”.

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Police believe the equipment was being used to prepare stolen devices for resale.

‘No Hiding Place for Criminals in Johannesburg’ — JMPD

The main suspect is currently being detained at Hillbrow SAPS, while the three additional suspects are being held at Johannesburg Central SAPS. All four have been charged with possession of suspected stolen property.

JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca said more arrests are expected as investigations continue.

“The arrest of these individuals is a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle syndicates that terrorise our residents. By linking this suspect to both the viral video and the hijacking of one of our own members, we are sending a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg,” Jaca said.

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